Police said two men tried to kick a door in after being refused entry to the house in Ongar
A dog has died after being stabbed by burglars who were attempting to break into a home in Essex.
Two men rang the doorbell of a house in Epping Road, Ongar, on Friday afternoon and started to kick the front door after being refused entry.
The family's Staffordshire bull terrier got out through the door and was stabbed, later dying from the injuries. The men ran away towards a car park.
PC Rob Guiney said: "This was a brutal and terrifying incident."
Police have released an e-fit of one of the suspects, who is described as being white, about 30, of stocky build and about 5ft 11in tall.
The second man was also white, aged between 28 and 32, of a slim build and about 5ft 5in tall. He had "scruffy black hair" and wore a black hooded top.
"I am appealing for anyone with information to come forward so we can bring these thugs to justice," Mr Guiney said.
