Disabled Caerwys man injured fending off puppy thieves

John Appleby Nelly the boxer dogJohn Appleby
A group of teenagers intervened to stop 10-month-old Nelly from being stolen

A disabled man was pulled off his mobility scooter while trying to stop thieves stealing his puppy.

John Appleby was clinging on to 10-month-old Nelly's lead while a woman in her 20s and man in his 30s tried to snatch it.

The 63-year-old managed to cling on, but badly hurt his face and body as he was flung on to the path in Caerwys, Flintshire.

A group of teens intervened and the pair fled without the boxer.

North Wales Police is investigating the incident, which happened on 17 April next to the Caerwys bowling green.

John Appleby John Appleby's injuryJohn Appleby
Police say John Appleby suffered significant injuries

PC Ellie Evans described the would-be thieves as callous and cowardly and praised the timely intervention of the teens.

She said: "The female is described as white, of medium build, about 5ft 8in with pink and black shoulder length hair. She wore a short-sleeved dark red T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

"The man, also white, is described as of medium build, 5ft 10in with short black hair and a goatee beard. He appeared smartly dressed."

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