A 10-YEAR-OLD girl allegedly had a knife held to her throat in an armed raid during her birthday celebrations.  

According to police, four men charged their way into a home in Castlemilk in the early hours of Wednesday morning before threatening the family inside.

During the alleged attack, a litter of eight three -week old puppies – believed to be worth £1,000 each - were stolen. 

The men are also said to have smashed up the house and vandalised a Mercedes car parked outside the house.

The family within, including a 29-year-old man, a 34-year-old woman and two children aged 17 and 10, were allegedly threatened with violence.

No-one was hurt in the incident but the family has reportedly been left traumatised by the level of violence and the theft of the young Bulldog Cross puppies.

The family have lived in the area for 25 years, with the family grandparents living just three doors down.

On such a quiet street, there’s a real shock from those living nearby.

Others in the area say they are surprised with the incident, with one neighbour told of her shock after learning of it.

She said: “It is a total shock to me that anyone could steal these wee dogs.

“Why would anyone do this?

“It is very worrying that this can happen in our street.”

Meanwhile, Police Scotland confirmed a 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man is due appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

Forensic officers are now examining the silver-coloured Volkswagen Polo which they believe was vehicle involved in a bid to catch the men responsible for the incident.

Police asked for the public to come forward with information about a hooded gang, were between 18 and 20, with slim build and wearing dark coloured tracksuits, had bladed weapons.

Officers said the suspects arrived at the property in two cars.  A silver coloured VW Polo and a silver-coloured Audi.  The Audi made off after the incident.

Detective Inspector Lynsey Watters said: “A family has been targeted within their home while sleeping and a young 10-year-old girl is deeply traumatised by what has happened.

“The motive, for this attack, is unknown, however, we do believe that it was targeted.

“I am appealing to members of the local community to contact us with any information they may have and to listen out for anything they might hear regarding this crime.

“Perhaps you saw the suspects, do you know anything about the cars?  Any small piece of information could prove significant in our investigation so please do get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cathcart Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 0173 of Wednesday, August 21, 2019 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.