INJURED AS PAIR TRIED TO NICK PUP

ADISABLED man who was injured when he was pulled off his mobility scooter by a couple who tried to steal his puppy says he is now too scared to go out.

John Appleby was walking his 10-month-old boxer pup near his home in Caerwys, Flintshire, when he was attacked by a man and woman with distinctive black and pink hair.

They were only stopped when a group of teenagers heard John’s calls for help and came to his rescue.

He told BBC Radio Wales: “I thought I would do a circuit around the town and then back home. There was a couple who came towards me on the path. I said hello to them and the next minute the woman tried to take the lead. She pulled so hard that I was pulled out of my chair. I held on to my dog as best I could and shouted for help. There were some teenagers who thankfully came to my rescue.”

The 63-year-old, who is in the chair after spinal surgery, injured his back, shoulder and face in the incident, and now is frightened to go out.

“I am wary of going out,” he said. “I don’t want to go far and I won’t be going out on my own with the dog any more. I will get through it but it is going to take me some time. I am just so grateful. I would fight to the death for my dogs – no-one is going to take them off me.”

Police are now investigating the incident and have released a description of the man and woman who attempted to take the pup.

A spokesman for North Wales Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses in relation to an attempted dog theft in Caerwys. A 63-year-old disabled man was left with significant injuries as he tried to prevent a couple from stealing his boxer puppy whilst walking it earlier this week. The incident occurred at approximately 4pm on Sunday, April 17, adjacent to the Caerwys bowling green. The offending couple, a female in her 20s and a male in his 30s, attempted to pull the dog away from its owner who was in his mobility scooter.

“He managed to hold onto the dog’s lead but in the struggle he was pulled from his scooter onto the path and sustained facial and upper body injuries. The attack stopped when some local youths intervened, resulting in the offenders running empty-handed from the scene.”

Investigating officer PC Ellie Evans from Mold Police Station described the attackers as “callous and cowardly” and praised the youths for their timely intervention.

She added: “We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the couple suspected of this offence. The female is described as white, of medium build, about 5ft 8ins, with pink and black shoulder-length hair. She wore a short-sleeved dark red T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

“The man, also white, is described as of medium build, 5ft 10ins, with short black hair and a goatee beard. He appeared smartly dressed.

“I would also remind local people to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious behaviour to us immediately.”