Police are appealing for witnesses after a man picked up and punched a dog in a “distressing incident” in a quiet Bucks village.

On Friday, at around 5.45pm, the victim, a woman in her forties, was walking her dog in the woodland at the end of Wood Lane in Great Missenden.

A man and a woman who were also walking a dog came from the opposite direction, and when the two dogs had a minor interaction, the man picked up the victim’s dog by the collar and punched it in the jaw before dropping it from waist height.

The man then approached the victim with his fists clenched, indicating that he was going to assault her.

The woman and her dog managed to get away, and luckily both were uninjured.

The man is described as white, around 6ft tall, and in his late fifties. He had short, grey hair, was clean-shaven and was wearing glasses.

He was also wearing a multi-patterned short sleeve shirt and beige trousers.

The woman he was with is described as Asian, around 5ft 2ins, of medium build and in her fifties. She had short black hair.

Investigating officer PC Adrian Reynolds, based at Amersham police station, said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim involved and we would like to speak to anyone who has any information which could help with this investigation.

“If you recognise the description of the man or woman involved, please get in contact with us.

“You can use the non-emergency number 101 or make a report online using the reference number 43210304411.

“If you would prefer to remain completely anonymous you can contact the independent charity Crimestopper on 0800 555 111.”