AN East Hampshire family are in shock after their pet dog was clubbed to death in what police have described as "a callous and brutal attack" during a break-in at their home.

The attack, in Gilbert Street, Ropley, happened between 9.30pm last Thursday, November 22, and 8am the following day.

Having used a crowbar to force the doors open and gained access to the garage adjoining the main house, police suspect the intruders failed to find what they were looking for and left empty handed.

They added that the burglars may have felt threatened by the family dog barking - a one-year-old Border collie called Red whose kennel was outside the garage. They hit her over the head with a heavy object, causing fatal injuries.

For full story, see this week's Bordon Herald.