Manchester puppy theft: Stolen litter reunited with mother Published duration 21 July 2019

image copyright GMP image caption The puppies catch up on some sleep after their ordeal

Six puppies stolen by machete-wielding burglars have been reunited with their mother after they were found by police.

The litter was snatched on Saturday morning when two men followed a man into a flat in Harpurhey, Manchester.

The five-week-old puppies were shoved into carrier bags and their mother was slashed in the face when she tried to defend them, police said.

Officers later recovered all six puppies from a property in Moston.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remains in custody for questioning.

GMP initially believed seven puppies were taken but on Sunday they said six puppies had been stolen.

image copyright PA Media image caption Zena was injured with a machete while trying to defend her puppies

Det Con Nick Kershaw said: "The puppies are all safe and well, and have been reunited with their mother, Zena, who was absolutely delighted to see them.

"It has been a huge effort from the team to reunite the puppies with their mother before the worst happened, however our investigation is not finished there and we are keen to speak with anyone who can help us."

A man at the Fernclough Road flat was also attacked during the burglary and suffered "defensive wounds" to his hands and arms, Greater Manchester Police said.

Officers said the burglars - who also took cash, keys and a phone - were both black, slim and wore dark clothing with their hoods up.

Both men were thought to be in their 20s.