A DOG owner whose pet chocolate Labrador was savaged as she walked along the canal towpath in Leigh town centre is appealing for witnesses.

Sixty-five years-old Cynthia Walshaw was near Leigh canal bridge with Lulu and her four year-old black Labrador, Poppy, when a Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog attacked Lulu.

"It lunged forward and pulled its owner over then grabbed hold of my dog's ear. Then it attacked its owner and bit his hand as he tried to get it off. It attacked Lulu again seriously injuring her belly. She has needed 10 visits to the vets and treatment costing £576-27p. Fortunately I have insurance," said Cynthia of Diamond Street, Leigh.

"A small dog wouldn't have stood a chance. Its owner, who looked to be in his 50s, had another dog with him, a sweet thing that was lucky not to bitten as well."

She said she wouldn't want to see the dog that attacked Lulu destroyed, but believes it ought to be muzzled to prevent further problems.

She would like to hear from anyone on Leigh Bridge who witnessed the attack on Tuesday, January 15 at 10.30am. Call her on 07814 700299 or PC Stafford at Leigh Police station on 0161 856 7228.