A dog and its owner both needed medical treatment after being attacked by a dog which was off its lead in Letchworth – and police have today appealed for witnesses.

Police said the attack happened between 1.45pm and 1.50pm on Sunday, February 18.

The victim, a 30-year-old woman, was walking along Western Way with her husband and their dog while another dog – a Staffordshire Bull Terrier – was on the opposite side, alone and without a leash.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed the road and came up to the victim’s dog before biting it on the leg and neck. While the woman and her husband tried to get it off their dog, it bit her on both hands.

Three young men then came running from the direction of Midhurst, a road near Western Way’s southern end, and put a lead and muzzle onto the dog. Another man then joined them on a bicycle, and they all walked off in the direction of the flats in Eastern Way.

PC Joe Nettleton, who is investigating, said: “This was an extremely distressing incident and both the woman and her dog had to seek medical treatment.

“The woman sustained small puncture wounds and was left with bruising to both hands. Her dog also sustained several puncture wounds.

“I am appealing for anyone who saw the incident or anyone who might know the owner or owners of the dog to get in touch with me.

“In particular, I would also like to hear from a witness who has named a possible suspect.”

One of the men is described as being aged 16 to 18, about 5ft 6in tall, of a slim build and with short brown hair. He was wearing dark trousers and a navy sports jacket.

Another man is described as being aged 16 to 18, 5ft 8in tall, of a slim build and wearing a green jacket and baseball cap.

The man on the bike is described as being aged 40 to 45, of a slim build and with a grey beard. He wore black trousers and a black-and-grey jacket.

Anyone with information that could help the police should contact PC Nettleton on 101 or joseph.nettleton@herts.pnn.police.uk, quoting crime reference G2/18/369, or report information online at herts.police.uk/report.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information can’t be traced and you won’t go to court.