THUGS stabbed a woman's dog “for fun” after robbing her of a locket she keeps in memory of her dead son.

A gang of between five and eight youths ambushed her in Chandos Recreation Ground, picking up one-year-old Miley and saying “give us everything you've got or we will slit her throat”.

But even after the victim, who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, desperately handed over all she had they stabbed her pet anyway, three times, at around 12.40pm, on Wednesday.

Miley, a white, west highlands terrier, survived but the blade only just missed her heart, puncturing the left side of her chest.

The possessions the group stole were worth around £1,600 and one was an engraved locket containing a picture of the vicitm's son, who died aged just four months.

The attack was the day before the anniversary of his death.

She said: “I didn't know at the time they had hurt Miley, that's when I saw all the blood. She's obviously still in a lot of shock, she's just not the same little puppy.

“She was such a friendly little dog. You can see why she would go up to anyone because she just really wants everyone to play with her.

“I still feel like I'm in another world, like its one big dream. I've been really traumatised by it. Why pick on a defenceless little dog?”

Her husband said: “It's just shocking how anyone can harm a poor innocent animal basically for fun. They are just sick people.”

The group, some wearing hoodies, were described as having strong Irish accents.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attacks and anyone with information can contact officers on 0300 123 1212, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.