TWO young brothers are distraught after their spaniel puppy Buster, was snatched from outside the village shop when they went in to buy sweets.

Gareth Lake, five and brother Ian, 15, of Penny Hill, Collingbourne Ducis, left the four- and-a-half-month old puppy outside the shop at 6pm on Monday November 27. When they came out after just a minute or two, they found the lead had been cut and the puppy was missing.

Ian Lake said his sons were devastated.

"At bedtime Gareth asked if Buster would come back if he prayed hard enough."

Although the boys did not see any vehicle driving away, he said it was clear one was used to take the dog so quickly.

The family toured the village asking people if they had seen the puppy.

They have since rung vets across the area in case Buster is brought in. Mr Lake said he feared puppy may have been stolen for breeding purposes.

Anyone with information about the puppy should call police on (01980) 842303.