Police investigating the theft of a dog after a man was threatened at knifepoint have released a picture of the stolen animal.
A 20-year-old man was attacked just after midnight in Newhaven Place in Edinburgh when thieves threatened him with a knife before stealing his mobile phone and his pet dog.
Police are now hunting the three-man knife gang, who fled in a grey car with the Shih Tzu Westie Cross, known as Eccles.
The victim's injuries were minor and he did not need medical attention, but he was described as 'traumatised' by the loss of the dog .
Dog stolen by cruel Edinburgh knife gang during attack on owner
Police Scotland's Detective inspector Graham Grant said: "This was an appalling attack on a young man, which has resulted in being traumatised and losing his family's dog.
"This level of violence is completely unacceptable in our communities and we are eager to trace the three men responsible for this attack as soon as possible.
"I would ask anyone who was in the Newhaven area just after midnight on Wednesday, April 24, and has any information that might help our enquiries, to get in touch with us at their earliest convenience."
