Thieves smashed a pensioner’s front door and ransacked her home before stealing irreplaceable jewellery and her precious pedigree puppy.

Marilyn Prior returned to her home in Appleton after a shopping trip on Friday to find she had been burgled.

Her 15-week-old Labrador puppy Muffin was missing and has not been seen since.

Mrs Prior has offered a £1,000 reward for the dog’s safe return.

Mrs Prior, 69, of Eaton Road, said her family did not know if the burglars had let Muffin out and left her to die, or had taken the dog to sell on.

She said: “We have had some other items stolen in the burglary, which are of great sentimental value, but Muffin is our main concern, and we’re offering a reward for her safe return.

“The whole family, including my grandchildren desperately miss her and would like her back.”

The grandmother-of-six also lost a flat screen television and jewellery including a Cartier tank watch, emerald cluster ring, a pearl necklace and a pair of gold ear-rings in the raid.

Muffin is a dark yellow colour and has a distinctive mark on the top of her neck. She was not wearing a collar or tag.

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen suspicious vehicles or activity in the road between 1.45pm and 4.30pm.

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.