Dog attacks grandmother (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Dog attacks grandmother

8:26am Wednesday 23rd January 2008 in Swindon By Ben Perrin

A DOG attacked a grandmother-of-six as she walked home from a doctor's surgery.

The animal savaged Connie Leighfield, of Coronation Road, Wroughton, at around 10.30am on Monday.

It drew blood after it pawed the pensioner's right leg in a pathway near to the Ellendune Centre and Barrett Way.

She may now have to have a skin test followed by plastic surgery at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon - but will not know for sure until next week.

"The dog suddenly flew at me," said 77-year-old Connie.

"It ripped the skin on my right leg open and I lost quite a bit of blood.

"It didn't bite me but it did maul me.

"I don't know where the dog came from.

"All I saw was two old men chatting to a lady with a small dog.

"This other chocolate brown dog was a lot bigger, probably the size of a Labrador, but I'm not sure if it belonged to any of them.

"I was 10 feet way before it leapt on my leg.

"It happened really quickly and I was quite frightened. I didn't know what to do. I don't really like dogs that much."

She added: "When I confronted the lady with the dog she turned away and said my dog wouldn't do that to anyone.' "I had to go back to the doctor's and have antibiotics before going to A&E at GWH."

Swindon police are now investigating.

PC Simon Talbot said: "We are appealing for witnesses to the incident and would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone who may have seen the incident should call Wiltshire Police 0845 408 7000.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.