Police are appealing for anyone who knows someone with an unexplained bite on their right forearm to get in touch after an attempted robbery suspect was bitten by the victim's dog.

The incident happened as a young woman walked her dogs near the back of Gisborough Hall, Guisborough, at about 7.45pm on Thursday (December 7).

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "The male grabbed her arm and demanded she hand over her mobile phone however the dog came to its owner’s defence.

"The suspect is a white male, wearing a black shell top or waterproof jacket with the hood up, black gloves. He may have had his face covered.

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"Officers believe the suspect was in the following areas of the town before and after the incident: Redcar Road Church Street Footpath leading to Prior Pursglove College, Lawrence Jackson school and the Priory to Whitby Road areas."

Enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal for anyone who has information or who knows of a male with a recent dog bite to his right arm to contact Cleveland Police via the 101 number.

Quote ref 240408. If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestopers-uk.org or by phoning them on 0800 555 111.