Puppy taken during aggravated burglary found but police continue to appeal for witnesses

A puppy stolen during an aggravated burglary in Accrington yesterday morning (Saturday) has been found safe and well.
By Gordon Mccully
Published 24th Apr 2021, 19:29 BST
Updated 25th Apr 2021, 10:06 BST
Leo, the 12 week old French Bulldog who was stolen in AccringtonLeo, the 12 week old French Bulldog who was stolen in Accrington
Leo, the 12 week old French Bulldog who was stolen in Accrington

Police were called to Spencer Street, Accrington, at 5.21am to reports men had forced their way into a house armed with a knife and demanded watches and chains.

As well as escaping with a watch and jewellery, they also took a 12-week-old French Bulldog. Following enquiries, he was found on Saturday evening and has since been reunited with his owner.

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Three people who were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary in connection with that incident all currently remain in custody.

They are a 39-year-old man from Accrington, a 37-year-old man from Accrington and a 22-year-old man from Dukinfield in Cheshire.

At 10.12am police were called to Burnley Road, Accrington, following reports five men were trying to force their way into a house. When officers arrived it was discovered a man had been assaulted, suffering injuries to his leg and jaw.

Three men and a boy have been arrested in connection with that incident on suspicion of GBH and all remain in custody.

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They are two 21-year-old men from Accrington, a 27-year-old man from Church and a 17-year-old boy from Rishton.

That incident is believed to be linked to the aggravated burglary in Spencer Street.

Officers are continuing to appeal for anybody with information about either incident to get in touch.

Det Insp Darren Irving, of East CID, said: “I would like to thank everybody who shared and supported our earlier appeal and I am pleased to say the puppy has been found safe.

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“We are still appealing for anybody with information, CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage which could help us with our investigation into the incidents in Spencer Street and Burnley Road to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or report it online Home - Lancashire Constabulary - Report Online. For the incident on Spencer Street, quote log 0254 of April 24, 2021, and for the incident on Burnley Road, quote log 0468 of April 24, 2021.

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.