Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a ‘dangerously out of control’ dog attacked a runner in Letchworth.

And they have called on the dog’s owner, believed to be a woman in her 60s, to make herself known.

They say the attack happened at about 10.45am on Wednesday, December 23, when the victim, a man in his 40s, was running along the Greenway path at the back of Highfield when the dog ran towards him.

The animal went for his leg, bringing him to the ground, and then continued to bite down on the victim’s knee causing a large puncture wound.

The owner of the dog is described as a white woman, aged in her early to mid 60s, around 5ft 2ins tall with short white blonde hair. The dog was a blonde dog with the appearance of an American cocker spaniel.

PC Charlotte Boot, who is investigating the incident, said: “This was a nasty attack by a dog off its lead and we need to trace the owner.

“Understandably the victim was in shock and didn’t manage to get the woman’s details and I would appeal to lady to contact police. I would also like to speak with any witnesses to the incident.”

If you have any information contact PC Boot via the police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number G2/15/2380.

You can also phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or report informations via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.