A TEENAGER who was left heartbroken when her guinea pig was decapitated has been given a new pet by police officers moved by her plight.

Animal lover Emma Howells, who has six rabbits and three cats, was devastated when guinea pig Storm was found near her Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, home.

Investigating officers were saddened too and set about finding a replacement which was handed over during a surprise presentation.

Emma’s mother, Susan, said her animal-loving daughter has a medical condition that makes socialising difficult and the 16-year-old’s animals are her life.

She said: “It’s been very upsetting for the whole family and Emma was devastated.

“She spends a lot of time with her animals and studies animal care at Houghall College.

“One morning she went into the garden and said the guinea pig wasn’t there, but I just said it will be under the decking, don’t worry about it.

“When I went out some children had found it. Whoever did it has obviously broken into the garden because they broke the fence and then did what they did right next to the house and left it for us to find.

“I cannot describe how it makes me feel. I’m disgusted, but it’s really sweet of the police to do this for Emma.”

The new guinea pig was supplied by Julie’s Pets, in Newton Aycliffe, after Police and Community Support Officer (PCSO) Mike Welch told staff there what happened.

Mark Hall, neighbourhood inspector for Newton Aycliffe, said: “The person responsible for this horrific event should hang their head in shame.

“Not only has a terrible act of cruelty been carried out on a pet guinea pig, but the distress and hurt it has caused the family is saddening.

“I think we are all in agreement that an act like this is unacceptable and I implore anyone who knows who is responsible for this incident to contact the police.”

He added: “It is commendable that staff at Julie’s Pets have donated a guinea pig to the family and I thank them for this wonderful act.”

Anyone with information about the attack, or any other incident of animal cruelty, is urged to contact the team on 101.