Police are investigating after a pet collie was viciously savaged on a Carlisle street by a Staffordshire bull terrier type dog.

The horrifying attack happened at 10.45pm in the Heysham Park area of Raffles, and has prompted police to urge people who may go out in the area with either their pets or children to be aware of the incident.

The owner of the collie, a man, was walking in the area last Thursday evening when he was confronted by an aggressive dog.

It was being walked off its lead by a man – in his late 40s or early 50s and wearing a dark coloured leather jacket - who was riding a bike.

“One dog suffered a serious puncture wound to the neck which required substantial veterinary treatment,” said a Cumbria Police spokesman. “The dog in question was a Staffordshire bull-terrier type dog, which was dark brown in colour.”

The spokesman said that anybody with information should contact PC Graham Coward, quoting log number 196 of April 21. The owner of the dog that attacked the collie was also wearing dark coloured jeans.

Witnesses or anybody who can help identify the dog and its owner can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.