A PENSIONER has warned dog lovers to be on their guard after her Jack Russell was savaged by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Agnes Manson, 78, has had seven-year-old Holly since she was a six-week old puppy and depends on her for companionship, as she struggles to get out of her home on Edge Court, Durham City.

A professional dog walker had Holly out in Aykley Heads on Wednesday (May 27) morning when the attack happened.

Holly was left with 15 puncture wounds and needed anaesthetic and stitches. The walker was also bitten.

No-one appeared to have the bull terrier under control.

Mrs Manson, who has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), brittle bone disease and struggles to walk, said: “I cried the whole day. I haven’t been able to sleep for her crying.

“People need to know this has happened.”

Holly is now recovering at home, following treatment at Dunelm Veterinary Group.

The incident has been reported to Durham Police.