Police hunt ‘depraved’ burglars who killed family pup
A SICKENED police chief yesterday branded burglars who drowned a family's seven-monthold puppy as “evil incarnate”.
Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green urged members of the public to turn in the killers of cockapoo Benji.
Mr Green made a plea for anyone with information to come forward to assist in what he said would be “a very active inquiry”.
Innocent
He said: “I found this crime almost too difficult to discuss.
“It was an act of utter depravity and one that affected me deeply, as a dog lover myself. “It is evil incarnate. “I know that somebody somewhere knows who killed that poor, innocent puppy. So I encourage them to do the honourable thing and contact the police.”
Mr Green has a dog of his own, a three-year-old Tibetan terrier called Percy, and he said Benji's killing had seriously had an impact on him personally as well as professionally.
He said: “I have such empathy for the family involved.
“I hope and pray somebody finds it in themselves to do the right thing and give the police the information they need.”
The gang broke in to Susan Walker's home in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, between 3.50pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday before ransacking it.
Miss Walker, 33, said she has not been able to tell her children, six-year-old Holly and Ethen, two, what has happened because they would be too upset.
The mother of two had alerted her brother Gareth DeaconWalker and partner Mark Phillips, 40, after she got home from her mother's to find Benji missing.
Mr Deacon-Walker found the pet dead in the bath after he was forced to kick down the bathroom door to get inside. Mr DeaconWalker said: “The fact we lost the puppy is obviously the most devastating thing.
“That sight will haunt for the rest of my life.”
Miss Walker said: “Benji was really playful and part of the family. I have not told the children what has happened.
Scared
“We have told them he has gone missing and police are helping us find him.
“Prison would be too good for the people who did this. I want them to feel the same suffering they have made us feel.”
Miss Walker said: “There are no words to describe what I am feeling. I am scared to be in the house on my own now and I am scared for my children."
Anyone with information should call Great Yarmouth CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.