POLICE INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE DOG SNATCH AFTER A ROBBERY IN SWINTON

Police were called to an address on New Street, Swinton at around 5am Thursday morning (1 July 2021) to a report of aggravated burglary.

Police attending established a group of four men wearing masks had entered the property and threatened a man and woman with a machete and a knife. The woman was also struck by a bat.

During the incident, the occupants' dog, a male Chihuahua named Bhoot, either escaped or was taken, though this is not yet clear.

The man and woman received superficial injuries during the attack and are understandably shaken.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Zoe Marsden, of Greater Manchester Police's Salford division said:

Quote

"This is a shocking incident  and our specialist officers continuing to support the man and woman who are understandably shaken by this incident that took place in their own home.

"This will no doubt be of concern to local people and also to local dog owners, however our investigations so far indicate that the potential theft of the dog was not a primary intention.

"We're working hard to establish the motives behind this attack and to reassure local residents, we have increased patrols in the area as our enquiries continue."

Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the dog should call police on 0161 856 5351, quoting incident 410 of 01/07/2021.

Anyone with information can also report online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.