A man suffered broken bones and puncture wounds in his hand necessitating an operation when he was bitten by a dog in Letchworth on Monday – and police have now appealed for witnesses.

The victim was walking along Radburn Way between 3pm and 3.20pm when he was approached by a mastaff or Staffy-type dog, which bit him on the hand.

The dog’s owner – described as a white man in his 20s or 30s, about 5ft 9in tall with dark hair – then seemed to retrieve his dog before leaving.

PC Ross Little, who is investigating, said: “This was an unprovoked attack which caused the victim considerable pain and inconvenience.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may know the dog’s owner. Anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation should call me.”

Anyone with information should call PC Little on 101, quoting crime reference G2/16/2512.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.