Police have released CCTV of a man they wanted to talk to after a boy was mauled by rottweilers in Southend.

The seven-year-old was paddling on the Eastern Esplande on August 5 when the dogs attacked leaving him with serious injuries.

The boy's grandmother prized open the dog's jaw after it had forced the boy under the water on Southend seafront.

The dog walker is described as a black man in his 30s, about 6ft 4ins tall and of slim build with short black hair.

He was wearing a blue top and jeans and the dogs both had docked tails.

Pc Rob Kirk, the investigating officer, said: "The boy’s grandmother had to physically pull the dog from the boy for fear it was going to drown the child or continue to bite him to death. It must have been a terrifying ordeal for all concerned.

"We have had some leads from the public which we are really thankful for but are yet to make an arrest so we are renewing our appeal for information with this CCTV. Someone out there must know someone fitting this description, who walks two Rottweilerdogs with docked tails.

"He allowed this dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place and a young lad has been left with horrific injuries, both physical and emotional I am sure.

"Please tell me who this dog walker is so we can take appropriate action to ensure it does not happen again.”

The boy suffered puncture wounds to his torso and arms, including a 2 inch cut to his forearm. He has had three lots of surgery and is recovering well.

Pc Kirk can be contacted at Southend police station on 101 or 0300 333 4444 if calling from outside Essex.