A 'DANGEROUSLY' out of control hound is alleged to have viciously attacked a dog in a park before biting its owner and puncturing her hand.

Essex Police are appealing for witnesses after a black cocker spaniel dog and a point-type dog were involved in an altercation.

The incident occurred at about 1.20pm on Friday at Merrymeade Park, in Brentwood, when a woman and her son were walking their cocker spaniel.

According to reports, the brown and white pointer hound, which was not on a lead, then attacked the cocker spaniel.

As she attempted to separate the two dogs, the owner of the cocker spaniel - which was left requiring treatment to its ear - was injured, sustaining a puncture wound to her hand.

It is believed the pointer may have been called Louie and is said to have been wearing a multi-coloured woven collar.

The dog's owner has been described as a white man, aged around 45-years-old, 5ft 5ins tall and wearing a light blue puffa or bomber-style jacket and a beanie hat.

He was present nearby but left the area soon after, in addition to a family who may have witnessed the dog attack.

Essex Police has now urged any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident or the dog and its owner to call 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/8145/21.