Dog saves her owner from an attacker in York

North Yorkshire Police have issued a photograph of the hero dog in the hope that witnesses might recognise her and come forward.

The woman, in her 20s, was walking her dog along a path at Strensall Common on Sunday between 2pm and 3.30pm, adjacent to the golf course, when a man called out to her.

Concerned by it, she turned to walk back the way she had come towards the car park, but he jumped out in front of her further along the path and grabbed the skin on her neck, painfully twisting it.

The protective pet bit the man on his leg and he then kicked the dog in her chest, leaving a dirty boot mark and winding her.

The man shouted at the woman and the dog bit him on his leg again causing the man to let go and allowing the woman and her dog to escape and get back to her car.

North Yorkshire Police believe there were a number of other people in the area at the time and officers are appealing to them to contact them, even if they did not see the incident itself.

They also want to hear from anyone who can help identify the man who is described as white, aged in his 50s, fat, with a chubby face, dark and greying facial hair.

He is said to have smelt of urine and was wearing a dirty, orange, zip-up raincoat with a logo on it and dirty, dark green water-proof trousers with zips at the knees so they could be worn as shorts, dark coloured boots and had a Yorkshire accent.

Anyone who was in the area at the time, or can help identify the man is asked to contact 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Elle Smith, collar number 1852, or email [email protected]

If you wish to remain anonymous pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote reference 12170033337 when passing on information.