TWO people have been stabbed and a dog has died in two separate incidents in Southend.

A man walking his white Staffordshire bull terrier was attacked in Tylers Avenue at about 2.50am on Saturday.

The incident was reported to police and they found a 46-year-old man had suffered a minor stab wound to the buttocks.

He declined hospital treatment and was treated at the scene.

The dog, which had been stabbed, sadly died after reportedly trying to save his owner.

Police were then called by the ambulance service shortly before 4.45am with reports a 54-year-old man had been found in Southchurch Road with a minor stab wound to the leg.

He had been assaulted near the Barringtons block of flats in Sutton Road.

The man declined hospital treatment and was treated at the scene.

The first man attacked has been named locally as Dwayne Curtis, and the dog as his pet Charlie, both of whom a regular sight around Southend.

Animal charity AA Dog Rescue, based in Latchingdon, which had seen Charlie a number of times, paid tribute to the much loved dog.

A post on the charity's page reads: "Although Dwayne is homeless and lives on the streets, he was devoted to Charlie and Charlie was devoted to him.

"Sadly Dwayne was attacked and Charlie jumped straight in to defend him, resulting in both being stabbed, Charlie fatally.

"Charlie was a very soft gentle boy who was an amazing credit to the Staffie breed, showing the true gentle loving nature of what they are really like, incredibly devoted to their owners and this cost him his life.

"Our prayers and love go to Dwayne tonight.

"RIP Charlie, you were truly a one in a million."

It is believed that Dwayne has since gone to hospital.

The charity is fundraising to cover the cost of Charlie's cremation.

Call Vets4Pets on 01702 466 718.

An Essex police spokesman said: "These are believed to be targeted incidents and detectives are looking into the circumstances to establish whether they are connected."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Dc Christian Forbes at Rayleigh CID.

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not have to attend court.