AN ELDERLY man has been left with a badly bruised thigh after being bitten by a dog.

Police say the man needed hospital treatment after being bitten by a black and tan Alsation on Thursday, September 9 in Ouston, near Chester-le-Street.

The incident happened in Milbanke Close, near the Red Lion pub and police say they believe the same dog may have attacked other people in the area.

Officers say they would like to hear from anyone who had had a problem with an Alsatian-type dog in and around the Milbanke Close area over the last three years.

Anyone with information is asked to ring 0345 6060365 and ask for PC Paul Vickers at Chester-le-Street police station.