Labradoodle stolen at knifepoint in St Austell days before Christmas

A labradoodle puppy who was stolen at knifepoint in Cornwall just days before Christmas is still missing.

Waffle, who is six months old, was taken while being walked in the Belmont Road area of St Austell at around 7am on Monday 23 December.

Owner Cathryn Hussain, 54, described how she was putting cat litter trays in an outside bin when a man "with a covered face" appeared.

The man, who is believed to be around 5ft 8in tall, gestured for Waffle to come with him and when Cathryn swore at him, he took his left hand out of his pocket.

She told ITV News West Country that he pulled out what looked like a knife, before "jabbing it" towards her and the labradoodle puppy.

Waffle's owner described her ordeal to ITV West Country. Credit: Family photo

The suspect was wearing a black, hooded top and scarf and spoke with a foreign accent.

Sergeant Steve White from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The family of Waffle are very distraught and upset at the callous theft of their pet dog.

“Myself and all of the officers at the police station dealing with this crime also feel very sad for the family over what is a cruel and mean-spirited crime, especially during the Christmas period."

The family is appealing on Facebook for people to help with the search. Credit: Family poster / Facebook

Waffle's family members have started a Facebook page as the search continues for their dog.

The owner's daughter said in a recent post how they "miss him terribly and just want our boy home".

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting log number 0116 231219.