A heartbroken dog owner has said “she’s too scared to go outside” after her puppy was snatched from her at knifepoint.

Cathryn Hussain, 54, was walking her six-month-old labradoodle Waffle near their home in St Austell, Cornwall, at around 7am this morning when a man allegedly threatened her with a knife.

Ms Hussain said she had stopped to put cat litter trays in an outside bin when the man appeared wearing a scarf over his face.

He then reportedly gestured for Waffle to come with him, but when Ms Hussain protested, she said he pulled something from his pocket.

“He gestured again and pointed the knife at me and I just froze,” she told Cornwall Live, explaining that she heard a spring noise which she attributed to a flick knife.

“I can’t remember if he snatched Waffle or I handed him over but if I handed him over I feel awful,” she added.

The suspect is described as around 5ft 8in tall and wearing a black, hooded top and scarf. He also spoke with a foreign accent, according to Ms Hussain.

Speaking to Cornwall live again hours after the alleged incident, she said: “I don’t really know how I’m feeling right now. One minute I’m in control and the next I’m scared to death.

“I’m a 54-year-old woman and am scared to go outside.”

Sergeant Steve White of Devon and Cornwall police said officers were investigating the “cruel and mean-spirited crime.”

He said: “The family of Waffle are very distraught and upset at the callous theft of their pet dog.

“Myself and all of the officers at the police station dealing with this crime also feel very sad for the family over what is a cruel and mean-spirited crime, especially during the Christmas period.

“I am sure that someone somewhere knows of a friend, relative or neighbour that has suddenly come into possession of a dog that may be Waffle.

“Please contact us if you have any suspicions, as Waffle should be with his real family this Christmas.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting log number 0116 231219.