A dog owner is appealing for a couple to come forward after he and his pet were bitten.

Daniel Faunch, 36, had been walking his friendly Cocker Spaniel, Fluer, along the canal near Tesco in Fullbridge when she was attacked by a Staffy-type dog.

Fluer had been for a swim and when she jumped out, Mr Faunch put her on a lead.

A couple, believed to be in their 30s, approached with two Staffy-type dogs which showed an interested in meeting Fluer.

Mr Faunch, of Heybridge, said: “Fluer is not at all aggressive towards other dogs.

“As we got closer, they wanted to rub noses, but as soon as one of the other dogs approached, it locked its jaw on to Fluer’s lip."

As Mr Faunch tried to calm his shaking dog, he asked for the couple’s contact details, only for them to “casually” walk off.

The attack happened at about 11.30am on Sunday, April 19.