Two men wearing hats with 'police' written on them assaulted a woman and stole a dog from her home in Barnes yesterday (Monday, November 29).

That is according to the Metropolitan Police, who are now appealing for information on the shocking incident as they seek to trace those behind it.

The violent robbery took place on Arabella Drive in Barnes, on the border of Wandsworth and Richmond boroughs, sometime before 9.58am on Monday when officers were called to the scene.

A spokesperson for the Met offered an account of their involvement: "At the scene officers found a woman, aged in her 30s, who had been approached outside her address by two males wearing caps with the word ‘Police’ on the front.

"They claimed to be there to conduct a drug search. When the victim challenged them they forced her inside her home and assaulted her causing cuts and bruises," the Met statement read.

"The men searched the address and left with a two-month old female American XL bulldog puppy, which is described as ‘blue merle’. Cash and a bag containing Christmas gifts were also stolen."

The woman was injured in the attack and was taken to hospital for treatment. She was released later.

A day on from the incident, there have so far been no arrests so far as police seek to broaden their inquiries with a public appeal.

Anyone who has information or footage relating to this incident but has not yet spoken with police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1837/29NOV.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

The Met said that if one of their officers contacts you in person "they'll show you their police warrant card" and that "this is proof of their identity and authority".

Concerns over "false" policing remain, however, after the rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met Police officer earlier this year, who kidnapped her in south London after conducting a "false arrest".