Police hunt dog owner after woman hurt in Christchurch woodland

POLICE are hunting the owner of a dog which rushed at a woman, knocking her to the ground in Christchurch woodland.

The woman, who is in her 50s, parked her car on a slip road in Mudeford wood to take her dogs for a walk. She saw a man and a boy nearby with a Staffordshire bull terrier and an American bulldog tied to a fence on an extendable lead.

The bulldog broke free and ran towards the woman and her dogs, wrapping its lead around her legs and causing her to fall. She suffered bruising and a cut hand.

The incident took place on Wednesday 6th January but was reported to officers only today (Tuesday).

Police are now hoping to trace the man and pets involved.

The man is described as white, around 40 years old, about 5ft 5in tall, of large build with dark-coloured receding hair. He was wearing dark jogging bottoms and a jacket.

The bulldog is mainly white with tan-coloured patches and was pink underneath. The bull terrier had greying black fur and is believed to be called Lola.

PC Jennie Sykes-Martin said: “I appreciate this incident took place at the beginning of January, but I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man or his dogs from the descriptions given to please get in touch.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have any information to assist my enquiries.”

Contact Dorset officers on 101, quoting crime reference number 55210012968, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.