A PET owner whose dog suffered serious injuries after it was attacked, has warned fellow dog walkers to be wary.

George Inman had been walking his lurcher near the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery, at Akley Heads, Durham, when two other dogs approached his pet and bit it on the leg.

Mr Inman, 70, of Oak Crescent, Kimblesworth, said: "One of these dogs took a piece out of her back leg. But what was more shocking was the behaviour of the owner.

"She refused to help, or give her name or address. All she said was that my dog should have out-run them."

The dog-owner rushed the seven-year-old lurcher to the nearest veterinary surgery and she was given 17 surface stitches and other internal stitches, which has so far cost Mr Inman £180 .

"It was a wound that required a lot of work and the vet said I did the right thing in getting her there immediately," said Mr Inman.

"I had to get her straight in the car, which is why I didn't pursue the woman.

"I had to either try and find out who she was or look after the dog and I chose to look after the dog."

Mr Inman said he has been back several times to the park, but had been unable to track the dogs down.

He said: "I just want to warn dog owners in Durham City to beware of attacks on their pets."