Newborn puppies have been reunited with their mother after being snatched by cruel theives.
Their mum Zena tried desperately to defend her six tiny pups when masked robbers raided the flat in Harpurhey on Saturday morning (July 20).
She was slashed across the cheek with a machete by one of the men and suffered a deep laceration.
The puppies were shoved into a carrier bag and taken from the property, on Fernclough Road at around 9.30am.
Police immediately put out an appeal in the hope of finding the little dogs - fearing they might not survive seperation form their mother.
Within hours, officers from Greater Manchester Police’s City of Manchester Division attended a property in Moston and recovered all six dogs.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross-breed puppies are all safe and well and have been reunited with Zena, who police say is 'over the moon at their return'.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remains in custody for questioning.
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An investigation into the incident is ongoing and detectives are keen to speak to anyone with information who can assist.
Detective Constable Nick Kershaw said: “This has been a fast paced investigation and I am pleased to be able to say that last night, we attended at an address in Moston and recovered all six puppies.
“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.
“If you have information that you think may be of use to us, no matter how big or small, then I would encourage you to please contact the investigation team, or Crimestoppers.”
Masked robbers followed the occupant of the flat into his property on Fernclough Road at around 9.30am on Saturday, police say.
The victim was attacked and suffered wounds to his forearms and hands before the suspects attacked Zena and snatched the puppies. They fled with cash, keys and a phone belonging to the victim.
Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 3985, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
