AN elderly woman was bitten by a dog as she walked her own pet in a churchyard in Bishop Auckland.

The 69-year-old was in the grounds of St Andrew’s Church, in Bishop Auckland, when a dog not on a lead bit her small rescue dog and herself several times.

The incident occurred at about 11am on Friday, January 11.

The man with the attacking dog is described as 5ft 10ins tall, 40 to 50-years-old, of medium to stocky build, a weathered face and brown hair.

He was wearing a brown hat and dark fleece jacket.

He had two dogs with him, one a fawn greyhound/whippet type animal and the other a Jack Russell, described as hairy, white with apricot patches and one bent ear.

The man claimed the dog belonged to his daughter and walked off in the direction of McCullagh Gardens.

The victim suffered bruising and was badly shaken and the dog required veterinary treatment for a bite to its stomach.

Witnesses are asked to call PC Emma Bartley, of Bishop Auckland police, on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.