Dog attack victim relives ordeal

Mr Cole had to use a walking stick to beat off the attacking pit bull

A dog walker has spoken of how he used his walking stick to fight off a pit bull-type terrier which attacked his Jack Russell.

William Cole, 63, suffered puncture wounds to his hands as he tried to free his dog, Bob, from the jaws of the attacking animal in Flatts Lane, Eston.

His pet was so badly hurt he had to have his back left leg amputated and needs more surgery.

Mr Cole said the strength of the assault was "unbelievable".

"I could tell that the dog was up to no good, just by the way he looked at Bob, the speed and the strength of the attack was ferocious.

"I used my walking stick to try and beat the dog off Bob, and I was hitting him that hard it broke, but it did not stop him.

"Eventually I managed to wedge the stick in his mouth with the help of the two men that were with him.

"I just grabbed Bob and ran off so I could get him to the vets as soon as possible, the injuries he suffered were horrific."

Both Mr Cole and his pet have been recovering since the attack on January 14, but Bob will need more surgery because the wound on his back keeps on opening.

Mr Cole added: "These two men should be prosecuted for allowing their dog to get out of control, anyone with information please contact police."

A Cleveland Police spokesman said that they believe the pit bull terrier type dog could be from the Eston, Bellfield or Normandy areas.