after a dog killed Duke, the family's puppy.

Mrs. Maria Campos' husband, Manuel, woke up to find Duke in the dog's jaws.

"My husband gave chase, but Duke was already dead,'' said Mrs. Campos yesterday.

She added: "I'm extremely worried. If the dog can do this to a puppy it could do the same to my daughter.'' Police are now investigating the attack, which occurred at about 7 a.m.

yesterday.

It comes just days after vicious dogs dragged off five-year-old Theo Augustus' pet rabbit from his hutch in the backyard of his home in Cedar Park, Devonshire.

Mrs. Campos said the dog strayed into the garden of the family's home in Rebecca Road, Southampton.

"My husband heard this noise saw this dog leave with Duke in its jaws. He ran after it, but it was too late,'' she said.

Mrs. Campos added she had seen the dog roaming about before.

She now feared for the safety of her daughters, six-year-old Diane, and particularly Sandy, aged two.

Mrs. Campos is also reluctant to tell the pair about Duke's fate.

"I know they will be terribly upset,'' she said.

She added: "I'm sure something can be done about this. I think the dog could be put to sleep, or kept inside the house.'' Police spokesman Sgt. John Dale said: "We are making inquiries to trace the owner of the dog.'' He added P.c. Kenny Dottin, from Somerset, was handling the inquiry.

Sgt. Dale said under the Dogs Act it was illegal to let a dog stray, or cause injury or damage.