‘Well-loved’ pet dog crushed to death during London robbery

Mugger targeting watch led to ‘needless death of the victims’ well-loved dog’

The woman was pushed to the ground, landing on their small Norfolk terrier dog, Rufus, who died shortly afterwards (Metropolitan Police)

Police are appealing to trace a man after a “well-loved” pet dog was crushed to death during a robbery.

The “unprovoked attack” was launched in Marylebone, London, by a man wearing a face covering and gloves.

The Metropolitan Police said he approached the two victims, a 56-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, as they were walking their two dogs.

The suspect, who was pushing a bicycle, stopped the couple and forcibly removed the man’s watch.

“He continued to struggle with the man, which led his wife to try to pull the suspect off him,” a spokesperson for Scotland Yard said.

“The woman was then violently pushed to the ground, landing on their small Norfolk terrier dog, Rufus, who died shortly afterwards.”

The robber punched the man repeatedly in the place before trying to flee, and then again when the victim pursued him, before cycling away.

Police have released CCTV images of the suspect during the incident, which took place at around 4.20pm on 4 August in Spanish Place, Marylebone.

Detective Inspector Lee Hannant said: “This was an unprovoked and unacceptable attack that has left the victims shocked and upset. The attack has led to the needless death of the victims’ well-loved dog.

“I’d ask anyone who recognises the man in the image released today to get in touch. If you know what happened, or even if you think you saw anything suspicious or out of place, please call us without delay and report what you know.”

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact police by dialing 101 or tweeting @MetCC.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0500 555 111 or visit their website.