Five puppies have been stolen from a shed in Burwardsley in the early hours of Friday morning.

A spate of shed burglaries all occurred in the village near Tattenhall on the same night where thieves stole garden equipment and an expensive chainsaw.

But the theft of an entire litter of black and white, short haired cocker spaniels which were taken from one shed in Burwardsley Court has led to the launch of a heart-rending police appeal by Cheshire Police.

Detective Sergeant Nick Henderson from Cheshire police told The Chronicle: "Overnight we had six offences of burglary in outbuildings, all of which occurred in the lovely village of Burwardsley.

"Specifically, in one incident in Burwardsley Court, five puppies were stolen from an outhouse. The mother dog has been left but all her litter were taken.

"They are five weeks old, short haired cocker spaniels and all black and white in colour," he added.

"We are appealing to anyone for help, we know it will tug on heartstrings. We also want highlight the crime in Burwardsley to let people know.

"We have spent all day speaking to local residents with local officers and PCSOs along with CSI and are doing our best to reassure villagers as best we can."

If you have any information for Cheshire Police call 01606 36 3114

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