POLICE are hunting a man who assaulted an east Cleveland teenager and stole the family dog.
The incident happened at about 2.30pm last Monday when a man driving a green vehicle - possibly a Hyundai - called at a house in Hazel Walk, Loftus.
The man, who had an Irish accent, persuaded the 18-year-old householder to take him to an address in nearby Skinningrove where the teenager knew puppies were being sold.
He was then persuaded to take his own two lurcher puppies out with the man and two young boys, one of whom was aged about 11, for a drive.
The car stopped on the road in Liverton, close to Bunnyland. The Irishman and the young man got out of the car because the Irishman wanted to see how fast the lurcher could go.
He then asked the young man to sell the dog to him and, when he refused, the teenager was punched in the face and the man drove off with the dog.
The man is described as of a large, muscular build, in his thirties and with short blonde hair that was almost shaved. He was wearing a yellow fluorescent jacket, blue jeans and brown shoes.
The lurcher is eight months old and stands approximately 21-and-a-half inches tall.
Anyone with information is asked to call PC Claire Evans, on (01642) 302626.
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