A female cyclist has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after an altercation with a man who allegedly set his dog on her.
The victim, a woman in her 40s, was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries after the incident in Lancaster on 5 May.
She told police she had been involved in an argument with a man who accused her of almost knocking into his child.
He had two brown staffordshire bull terrier or bullmastiff-type dogs and he is said to have slapped one of the animals on the head, causing it to bite the woman’s upper leg and latch on for several minutes before she could break free.
The attack took place on a cycle track behind the Priory Church, close to Millennium Bridge, according to police.
It occurred shortly after the victim was forced to brake to avoid a woman and child. Paramedics were called at about 4.20pm and treated the woman for her injuries.
PC Richard Hannaford, of Morecambe police, said: “This incident has left the victim with a very serious injury.
“As part of our ongoing inquiries we need to identify and speak to the man who was walking the dogs. I would urge anybody who knows who he is – or the man himself – to contact the police as soon as possible.
“Similarly, I would ask any witnesses or anybody with CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage which could assist our investigation to please get in touch.”
The woman, from Morecambe, was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary and has since been discharged. No arrests have been made.
The owner of the dog is described as white, 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in, slim, with brown short-back-and-sides hair. He is thought to be in his early 30s and was not wearing a top.
Lancashire police are asking people to email 5891@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 0917 of 5 May, with information.
