A FAMILY have been left heartbroken after 11 pit bull terrier puppies were stolen from their garden shed.

The pups were with their mother, Sara, when thieves struck at Sefton Road, in Thorntree, Middlesbrough, at 10.30pm on Wednesday night.

Owner Paul Duggan, 26, thinks those responsible must have thrown biscuits down to distract Sara from guarding her litter.

His daughters, Melanie, five, and Jodie, three, used to play with the pups everyday and were devastated when they realised they had gone.

"They were so upset - there were a few tears," said Mr Duggan.

"They even stopped talking to me for a while because they thought I had sold them early.

"I had to explain that someone had taken them away. They seem to accept that now but it makes you so angry."

Mr Duggan was planning to keep one of the puppies and sell the rest for £200 each.

He is now appealing for anyone with information about the burglary to contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 303126.