Six newborn puppies stolen in an armed robbery have died, police said.
A litter of eight one-day-old French bulldogs were taken by two men who forced their way into a family home in Stretford, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday and threatened a pregnant woman and her young children with a knife.
A manhunt was launched after the robbery, and Detective Sergeant Dave Jones warned the puppies would “not survive for long without their mum”.
Two of the puppies have since been reunited with their mother and owner, but their six siblings did not survive.
CCTV footage of two men wanted in connection with the incident has been released.
Police said the men demanded cash and mobile phones from the 26-year-old mother after forcing their way into the home in Alpha Road at around 9.50pm on Tuesday.
Jones said: “It’s completely shocking that a pregnant woman and her three young children have faced such a terrifying ordeal, and we are determined to find the men responsible.”
Witnesses are asked to call police on 0161 856 7747, quoting reference number 2218 of October 24, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.