A DOG owner has been left "devastated" after a pair of robbers pushed her to the ground and snatched her pet pug.

Linda Dingley of High Grove, Plumstead, was walking her two pugs, aged two and six, along Flaxton Road when two white men sneaked up from behind and grabbed the dog leads.

The 60-year-old refused to let go and shouted "you can't take my dogs" before she was shoved to the floor and lay crying as the pair made off with the younger of the two dogs in a silver Volkswagen Polo.

News Shopper: The pug is two-years-old

The incident, which happened at 11.45am yesterday, has left Mrs Dingley distraught. She said: "I love my dogs. It is just like losing a member of the family. I am absolutely devastated.

"She could have been taken to be sold on. I am so upset knowing they might not be looking after her properly.

"The thought of not being able to see her again is so awful."

Greenwich police confirmed they are treating the incident as robbery and say both men were tall and in their late 20s with dark European skin.

News Shopper: The pug was snatched in Flaxton Road, Plumstead

One was wearing a black jacket and the other was wearing white trainers with a grey tracksuit and a sleeveless silver padded jacket. The pair drove off down Duncroft towards Swingate Lane.

The stolen dog, thought to be worth around £900, is micro-chipped and was wearing a black harness.

Mrs Dingley, who has lived in Plumstead for 20 years added: "As they ran off I just shouted 'help me, help'.

"I flagged down a police car and we drove around trying to spot the grey car but we could not see it.

"They (the robbers) must have been watching me as they sneaked up on me from behind. I had no idea they were there."

Investigating officer at Greenwich Robbery Squad, Detective Sergeant Keith Simmonett, said: "We are keen to reunite the dog with its owner and I am appealing to members of the public to help us with our enquiries.

"Anyone with information should contact us immediately."

Mrs Dingley is offering a £1,000 for the dog's safe return.

Call Greenwich police on 0208 284 9411 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.