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Brutal thugs who killed a family's pet dog by twisting its neck around until it choked to death have still not been found.

Detectives probing the horrifying death of the Yorkshire terrier say no arrests have been made - three weeks on from the killing.

On Halloween a bunch of teenagers had gathered for a pal's 18th birthday party in Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne, when the attacker struck.

Shocked RSPCA inspectors say the Yorkshire terrier-cross 'Herbie' had his jaw twisted to the opposite side causing horrific injuries.

After carrying out the attack, the thug then left the party covered in the blood of the animal. The dead pet was then discovered in the back garden of the property at about 8pm.

Officers have been working with the RSPCA and the owners to compile a list of people who were at the party as they try to catch those responsible.

But the hunt goes on after weeks of inquiries.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "We are working with the RSPCA and treating this as a crime. We are still carrying out inquiries and

investigating how this happened. We have made no arrests so far."

Jaqui Miller, an inspector with the RSPCA, has renewed her appeal to try to catch Herbie's killer.

She said: "I have never seen such a brutal attack on a dog in my whole 10 year career.

"Herbie's muzzle was shattered in numerous places. It would seem that the right side of his lower jaw has been twisted over to the other side, pinning his tongue and causing him to choke to death.

"The owner is understandably distraught and desperate for answers to what happened to her beloved pet.

"I have spoken to a number of people who were at the party but I still need more specific information."

The four year old dog had lived with the family since a puppy.

On Halloween he had been upstairs with two other dogs but wandered off into the garden.

RSPCA inspector Miller said: "This was a truly horrendous incident which no doubt caused enormous suffering to Herbie.

"He was covered in blood and the person who did this must have been too. It seems inconceivable to me that no-one at this party knows who they are."

Anybody who has any information should call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 or Northumbria Police on 101.