Cops in Midlothian are hunting a thug who repeatedly booted a dog before attacking its teen owner.
The violent yob set upon the unsuspecting pooch in Mayfield Park, near Dalkeith, shortly before 2pm yesterday afternoon.
A 19-year-old woman was walking the dog in the park area when a man approached her.
The brute suddenly started kicking the animal, with its owner attempting to protect her pet from the unprovoked attack.
But the thug then turned on her and assaulted her, leaving her shaken.
The horrifying incident was broken up by a male passerby, with both men then leaving Mayfield Park.
Police Scotland have launched a probe into the attack and have called for any witnesses to come forward.
PC John Fortune, of Dalkeith Police station, said: “This was an alarming unprovoked incident that has taken place in the middle of the afternoon when the park was busy with other users, including children.
"The female sustained injuries and it has caused undue stress to the dog involved.
"I would appeal for anyone that was in the park at the time and may have witnessed the incident to contact the Police"
Anyone with information should contact Police at Dalkeith via telephone number 101 quoting incident 1709 of 1 March 2022.
Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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