A PUPPY has been left fighting for it’s life after a thief beat up his owner and steal him - before being kicked by the crook.

At about 6.20pm on Friday March 7 a 21-year-old woman was walking her 14-week-old Bichon Frise along St James Road in Brentwood.

She was approached by a male described as black, aged around 30, about 6ft tall, of medium build and wearing a grey bobble hat, black hooded jacket and black jogging bottoms.

The male asked about the dog and what breed it was before he then grabbed hold of the lead.

When the owner went to pick her beloved pooch up she was punched in the face, breaking her nose.

After this the man then kicked the dog, leaving it with serious leg and hip injuries, before he ran off.

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information about the incident or who believes they know who the suspect is should contact Brentwood CID by calling 101 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.