Thugs threatened to hurt puppy before robbing woman owner, 53

The 53-year-old woman, from Preston, was targeted by two young men near the brook in Cottam Lane, Preston while she and Chihuahua Jack Russell cross puppy Bailey watched her Border Collie cross dog Fizz and Shih Tzu Jack Russell cross dog Charlie play in the water.

The thugs made off with her precious engagement ring, wedding band, eternity ring, another special ring, her gold earrings that where a gift from her son and her Samsung Mobile.

And the woman - who does not wish to be named - says she is living in fear after the incident, has had trouble sleeping and has been left aching all over after one of the men pushed her over and knocked her unconscious in broad daylight at around 5.15pm on Friday. She said: “One of the men scooped down and picked up Bailey (my puppy) whilst the other one moved in on me and demanded my valuables.

“I was so scared I was frozen to the spot. They said if I didn’t give them anything they would hurt the puppy. So I just handed everything over.

“They put the puppy down and as I went to pick it up the taller one went ‘argh’, pushed me over and I can’t remember anything after that.

“It was terrifying I was knocked out, I’m aching all over and I haven’t been able to take the dogs out since, I’m too scared.”

Fortunately she was discovered by a man and eventually taken to the Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

Police described on of the men as white, with a pale complexion, stained teeth and prominent cheekbones, around 6ft, slim, aged 17-22, with short dark hair.

The second man is described as white, around 5ft 6ins, slim, aged 18-20 and was wearing a long sleeved light grey top. He spoke with a local accent.

DC Paul Taylor of Preston CID said: “This was an extremely frightening incident on a woman who was simply out walking her dog. We are determined to trace the men responsible for the attack and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or indeed anyone with information a to contact us on 101.”