A RARE puppy worth £16,000 has been stolen from a home in Tadworth.
Police are trying to trace an eight-week-old, lilac-coloured British Bulldog after it was taken at 8pm on Saturday by a man who was at a dog-breeder's home with the intention of buying it.
After being given the valuable animal to hold, the man ran out of the house and assaulted a woman, one of the owner's relatives, on his way to a car parked outside.
While reversing away, the car nearly ran over another relative of the dog breeder.
The man who took the dog is described as black, 5ft 10 inches tall, of medium build, with short black afro-style hair, and had one of his top teeth missing. He was wearing a black Lacoste jumper, black jeans and black Nike Air trainers.
The man driving the car is described by police as white, with a 'pointy' nose and wearing a black cap.
Investigating officer detective constable Eloise Lock said: "This was a nasty incident which has left the dog breeder and her family distressed.
"The puppy is extremely distinguishable and rare because of its colour. We are hoping because of that the public can help us reunite it with the owner.
"Anyone who may have been offered the puppy or knows anything about where it might have been sold is urged to get in touch with us by calling 101, quoting the reference number 45140087810."
Alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
