Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a fresh appeal for information into a crime he described as 'evil incarnate'.
Police are today continuing investigations into the death of seven-month-old puppy Benji, who was found by his owners drowned in a bathtub in Cobholm Close in Cobholm on Wednesday.
Now Lorne Green has made an emotional plea for people to come forward with information to assist in what he says will be 'a very active inquiry'.
MORE: Family speak of horror after beloved puppy was drowned in bath by burglars near Great Yarmouth
Mr Green said: 'I found this crime almost too difficult to discuss, It was an act of utter depravity and one that affected me deeply as a dog-lover myself. It is evil incarnate.
%image(14787160, type="article-full", alt="Norfolk PCC Lorne Green has described the drowning of Benji as "evil incarnate". Photo : Steve Adams")
'I know that somebody, somewhere knows who killed that poor, innocent puppy, so I encourage them to do the honourable thing and contact the police.'
Mr Green has a dog of his own, a three-year-old Tibetan terrier called Percy, so says this crime has impacted him personally as well as professionally.
'I have such empathy for the family involved,' he said. 'I hope and pray somebody finds it in themselves to do the right thing and give the police the information they need.'
Great Yarmouth MP and minister of state for policing Brandon Lewis joined Mr Green in condemning the suspects.
Posting on Facebook, he said: 'Please do help the police solve this shocking crime as soon as possible.'
He added that the crime was 'mindless behaviour that defies understanding'.
The incident happened at some stage between 3.50pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, which also saw thieves steal an Acer Switch 10 computer and an iPad.
Benji belonged to 33-year-old mother-of-two Susan Walker, who said she has not been able to bring herself to tell children Holly, six and Ethen, two, what happened to their beloved cockapoo.
Detective sergeant Richard Wallis added: 'This is particularly cruel crime and I would urge anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the area at around the time of the burglary to come forward.'
Anybody with any information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Great Yarmouth CID on 101, or if they wish to maintain anonymity, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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