POLICE hunting thugs who tortured a puppy were yesterday questioning people visiting a North-East seafront.

The puppy had to be put down after being kicked and thrown about by youths on Sunday, near the BMX track in Temple Park, South Shields, South Tyneside.

Yesterday, officers were questioning people in the park in an attempt to track down the dog's tormentors, and its owner.

Anyone with information is asked to contact South Tyneside police on 0191-454 7555.