A DEVASTATED young couple has told of the terrifying moment their beloved pup was stolen from them by knife-wielding thugs in their home. 

David Waters, 20, was awaiting his partner Caitlin Maley, 21, coming home yesterday at around 10pm when the doorbell rang.

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Glasgow Times: David Waters and Caitlin Maley, pictured with their stolen dog CairoDavid Waters and Caitlin Maley, pictured with their stolen dog Cairo

"I heard the door going and I closed the living room door behind me for Cairo, because he was excited the door went," he said.

"I thought it was Caitlin or the takeaway I'd ordered so I opened the door. 

Glasgow Times: Stolen American bulldog Cairo Stolen American bulldog Cairo

"They just came right in and held an axe to my head and told me to get on the ground. They opened the living room door, grabbed Cairo and ran out and went right down the street.

"It was horrible. It's just the fact I couldn't do anything about it because they had weapons." 

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Glasgow Times:

The couple had only had the American bulldog for two weeks. 

David added: "He hasn't had his jags yet so he shouldn't even be out."

Caitlin believes the raid was planned and told how she heard people outside their house. 

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"David could hear people outside at about 4am, of that morning going into the fourteenth," she said. 

Glasgow Times:

"He heard the back gate swinging open and he thought he could hear voices but he thought he was just being paranoid and there wasn't anyone there. 

"But now that we're thinking about it, have people come down to sus it out, have they came down to see where they could park and how they could get here?"

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The couple are doing everything they can to get the word out about their missing puppy. Their social media appeals went viral last night and a fundraiser has been launched to stump up the cash to pay the kidnappers if they are looking for a ransom.

Caitlin said: "If that's what they want then we have money we can given them."

Police have launched a probe into the brutal theft and were seen knocking on doors in neighbouring streets this morning.

The three three men involved in the heist are described as being tall with muscular builds. They were wearing black balaclavas and dark coloured tracksuits. 

They headed east in the direction of Linthaugh Road and are thought to have made off in a car. 

Detective Constable Christopher Sneddon, of Police Scotland’s Glasgow CID unit, said: “Thankfully nobody has been injured as a result of this incident but the owner has been left evidently shaken. 

“We are appealing to anyone who may have noticed three men acting suspicious in the area to come forward and speak to officers. 

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“If there is anyone who has possible CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist with our enquiries, please get in touch with police. 

“I would also ask if anyone is approached about buying a puppy similar to this to get in contact with police. 

“Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 3960 on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.”