A HEARTBROKEN family are desperate to be reunited with their litter of Lurchers after seven puppies were stolen from their home.

Martin Campbell, 55, has been breeding lurchers for a number of years and was going to gift one of the pups to his 11-year-old grandson, Shay.

But on Sunday, Martin left the nine-week-old puppies at his home, in Rectory Road, in Weeley, whilst he went to Colchester.

When he returned, all seven were missing.

Mr Campbell, who lives with his grandson and partner Dana Mackova said: “They were in a kennel, which was in an enclosure but you can’t see my house from the road.

“We couldn’t find any direct sign of entry but our place is big standing across four acres so there’s a lot of fences and potential entry points.

“Its like the people have come into our house but they’ve came and stole something that was living - we’re so upset.

“We just want the puppies back, we’re not interested in prosecuting anyone or anything like that.”

Essex Police is investigating.

Anyone with information should call 101.