The victim of a dog attack required surgery after being bitten several times in Hitchin.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack – which happened at around 10.30pm on Sunday – to come forward.

The victim – a man in his 40s – was walking his own dog in the field behind Hitchin Rugby Club, off Old Hale Way, when his pet was attacked by a brown Staffordshire bull terrier.

During the incident, the man’s arm was bitten several times by the dog causing deep cuts and he needed surgery as a result.

The owner of the brown dog then put the pet on a lead, apologised and left.

He is described as a black man, of slim build and aged in his 20s.

PC Jamie Fannon-Hall said: “I’m appealing for anyone who believes they know who the owner of this dog is to get in touch.

“I’d also like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident as you may have information that could assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Fannon-Hall by emailing jamie.fannon-hall@herts.pnn.police.uk.

You can also call police on 101 quoting reference 41/27536/18 or report online at herts.police.uk/Report.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.