POLICE want to trace the owners of a savage dog which could be responsible for at least two vicious attacks on pets and people.

The bull mastif is believed to have struck at least twice in the past few weeks and one eyewitness fears the dog could "chew a child to pieces" if it is not stopped.

Canvey woman Trudy Norman, 27, was attacked on Tuesday and is warning others to be on their guard against the animal, which may be called Hector.

She was knocked to the ground and bitten on the right arm after stepping in to protect her two-year-old white boxer Alfe.

The pair had been running side by side along the rugby field by Dovervelt Road, Canvey, when Miss Norman spotted a couple with a white bull mastiff, with brown patches on its back and eye.

They spoke briefly, before Miss Norman carried on running with Alfe.

She said: "I heard a yelp and saw that their dog had run down the hill, grabbed my dog and was throwing it around. Blood was running from his neck, but the owners weren't doing anything.

"I went over and grabbed my lead and whacked the dog on the head twice.

"It let go of my dog but then turned on me and knocked me flying.

"I went down on my back as it was trying to bite me."

Miss Norman rushed Alfe to the Riverside Veterinary Group on Long Road where he was treated for eight puncture wounds to his neck and back.

She reported the incident to police. She said: "There were children over there at the time walking their dog. What if that dog had attacked their pet or even a person?"

Since the attack, Miss Norman says she has been told of other residents on Canvey whose pets have been injured by a dog matching the description.

Kings Park resident Chris Kinsella said his four-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Freddy, was attacked on the sea wall. Freddy was taken to the vets and received ten stitches in his back.

The father-of-two said: "My dog got savaged and it sounds like the same dog. If that dog had been a child it could have chewed it to pieces."

Castle Point police inspector Steve Kilcoyne said: "It's imperative we trace the owners to get an account from them as to what happened."

Anyone with information should call PC Rob Bentley on 01268 775533.