An elderly couple have been left traumatised after their pet dog was “stolen”.

Shirley, 75, and Lenny Hodgson, 88, of Tiverton Avenue, Clayhall returned to their house on Thursday to find their front door smashed in and their beloved Yorkshire terrier, Perdie, gone.

Mr Hodgson said: “It has been a traumatic experience. Why people would take Perdie is a complete mystery. She’s a lovely little thing and wouldn’t hurt a fly.

“All we can think is that it is out of complete spite and they hadn’t got much else so thought they’d take the dog.”

Mrs Hodgson’s wedding and engagement rings were also stolen along with some cash from a wallet.

Anyone with information should call the police non-emergency number 101.

The couple, who have lived at the property for 28 years and had Perdie for nine years, added: “It would be marvellous to get her back, we don’t care about everything else and would do anything. It has ruined our lives and we can’t stop thinking about her.”

Anyone with information should call the police non-emergency number 101.