POLICE have vowed to catch the killers of a six-week-old puppy, which was kicked around a park like a football.

Pictures of the puppy, which had to be put down as a result of its injuries to its head, touched the nation's heart when the story of its treatment was told.

Officers are trawling schools around South Shields, in South Tyneside, speaking to residents near Temple Park fields in their efforts to find three boys who repeatedly kicked the pup and threw it around like a rag doll.

They are also trying desperately to find the animal's owner.

The puppy had to be destroyed after volunteers at St Francis Animal Rescue were given it by a man who rescued it from the yobs.

Dog-lovers from across the country have donated more than £2,000 in reward money to catch the killers.

Businesses have also been calling with offers of money to put extra pressure on people who know the identity of the boys to come forward.

A number of animal rights groups in the UK are also collecting money to add to the reward.

A spokesman for South Shields Police said: "We are exploring every avenue we can, especially with local schools where children and teachers may have information.

"We have been given a number of names by concerned members of the public, and it can be assured that all of those children will be spoken to by officers."