A vicious dog dragged a man to the ground and mauled his face, ankles and hands after attacking the victim’s pets while he was walking with a woman on Saturday evening.

The man, who is in his fifties, had to receive treatment at Stoke Mandeville Hospital after being badly scratched by the animal, which had been wandering the streets in Downley without its owner.

Before the attack, the victim, the woman, and their pets, were approached by two men in a vehicle, who said they were looking for their dog.

As they continued to walk in Hithercroft Road at about 8.30pm they saw the animal – which is described as a Pitbull or bulldog breed – and after it attacked the two other dogs it set upon the owner.

The two men from earlier in the evening then arrived and said the dog belonged to them, but refused to provide their details to the victim.

Police said the offenders were both Asian. The first man was 5ft 9ins to 5ft 10ins, aged in his early to mid thirties and he was wearing a woollen hat and a dark-coloured hooded top.

The second offender was 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins, slim, and was aged approximately 15 to 20-years-old.

He was wearing a light cream-coloured hooded top which had a logo on the front.

The dog was a grey or brown colour and was approximately 2ft.

If you have any information or witnessed the attack, phone Thames Valley Police on 101.

You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org