great yarmouth puppy benji drowned
Benji was discovered after the burglary 'floating in the bath' Norfolk Police

Police in Norfolk have appealed for information after burglars who broke into a house apparently drowned a seven-month-old puppy called Benji in the bath. The incident took place in Cobholm Close, Great Yarmouth on Wednesday 5 April.

Benji's owner, mum-of-two Susan Walker, 33, said she was surprised when she came home and Benji wasn't there to greet her. Then she couldn't get in the bathroom and asked her brother-in-law to kick down the door. They found the cockapoo floating in the bath.

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"There are no words to describe what I am feeling," said Susan, The Metro reports. "I will never be able to go into that bathroom again."

She hasn't been able to tell her children, aged six and two, what happened. "We have told them he has gone missing and police are helping us find him."

The burglars stole a laptop and iPad as well as personal items but it was the loss of Benji that most upset the Walker family.

Susan's husband, Gareth, added: "Everything we lost is immaterial. The fact we lost the puppy is obviously the most devastating thing. That sight will haunt for the rest of my life."

In a statement, Norfolk Police said: "Suspect/s gained access to a property in Cobholm Close between 3.50pm and 5.30pm and stole a number of items, including a computer. A seven-month old puppy which was in the property at the time of the burglary was drowned in the bath."

Detective Sergeant Richard Wallis said: "This is a 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."

Anyone with information about the case should contact Great Yarmouth CID on 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.