A gang who impersonated police to carry out a violent burglary in which a woman was attacked in front of her children and the family puppy stolen, have been jailed.

The three men also stole the children's Christmas presents in the terrifying ordeal. The puppy remains missing.

One of those involved was a 58-year-old from Orpington.

Michael Cloherty, of Chipperfield Road, was sentenced to 13 years for the crime which took place in Putney, London.

The victim, a woman in her 30s was leaving her flat with her three young children when the men approached her wearing caps with 'police' on the front and carrying friction-lock batons. They showed fake identification and claimed to be conducting a drug search.

But when she challenged them she was attacked - grabbed around her throat and forced back into her home.

Once inside, she was pushed to the floor and stamped on and punched before her hands were secured with cable-ties.

The crooks then ransacked the house, stealing cash, presents and the family's two-month old female American extra-large bulldog puppy.

Police investigated the crime and identified the three men involved.

A search of their homes led to "critical evidence" being recovered and all three were arrested and charged with aggravated burglary.

Appearing at Kingston Crown Court, all three was found guilty.

Cloherty received 13 years, Simon Ludlow, 50, from Mitcham, 12 years and Michael Cook, 54, from London ten years.

Detective Inspector Andy Durham, from the Met Police, said: “These three individuals have pretended to be police officers to gain entry, before using extreme violence to rob a mother in her family home. They have caused her injuries before stealing her children’s presents and their very young beloved puppy.

“Tackling violent offenders is a priority for the Met and I am very proud with the brave support of the victim we were able to bring these violent offenders to justice and achieve sentences commensurate to their offending.”

Detective Inspector Dan Whitten added: “This offence involved extensive planning, violence and a disregard for the impact on the vulnerable children present. The offenders clearly posed a wider risk to the public.

“I am pleased they are no longer in a position to cause such considerable harm and hope their convictions serve to reassure the local community. I’d like to commend the victim for displaying fortitude despite what must have been a terrifying ordeal and the investigating officers for their tenacity in effectively pursuing this investigation to its rightful conclusion.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information in relation to the stolen puppy which despite efforts, remains outstanding.

Anyone who recognises the dog in the image or anyone who may have been offered an American Bulldog puppy for sale, should contact police. Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 1837/29NOV21.