Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked by a dog as he left home for work, resulting in A&E treatment at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital.

Steve Buck, of Popple Way in the town, was coming out of the back door of a block of flats into a private area when the unprovoked attack took place.

He said: “A middle-aged woman walking through there with a black Alsatian on a lead got startled. I said ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.’

“Within seconds the dog had started to get agitated and began barking. Next thing I know it’s come at me from five yards.

“I put my hands up to protect my face and I got knocked to the floor.”

The owner wrestled the dog off, but not before going for Steve’s arm and sinking its teeth into his leg.

Steve said: “I ran round to the front of the building and called the police, who told me to go to A&E.”

As well as bruising to his arm and hip, Steve received a gash on his leg.

At Lister, his wound was treated and he was given a course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

Steve says he is healing well physically, but mentally he is on edge and on guard.

He said: “I just think a dog that strong shouldn’t be out of control. I’m 14 stone and it knocked me to the floor. If it had been a small child, I don’t want to think what could have happened.

“I don’t want the dog put down but I think the owner should take responsibility, and consider if the dog should have a muzzle.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place at about 9.10am on Tuesday, October 11.

Investigating officer PC Richard Cundell, told the Comet: “Understandably this was a very distressing incident for the victim and as a result he had to go to hospital for treatment.

“I would ask anyone in the area at the time who witnessed the incident to come forward and speak to me, as they may hold vital information that could assist our investigation.”

If you have information or saw what happened please contact police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number E1/16/7300.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken. Information can’t be traced and you will never need to go to court.