A dog-walker was left with bite wounds on his hands and a broken leg after he was attacked by a German Shepherd.

The man, aged in his 60s, was walking along Holmestone Road in Dover when the animal bit his dog.

When the man tried to protect his pet, the large, light-coloured Alsatian jumped at him, knocking him backwards to the ground.

The vicious dog then tried to grab his leg, but was called and led away by another man.

It comes a week after KentOnline revealed a massive increase in dog attacks in the county.

The attack happened between 10.15am and 10.45am on Tuesday, March 17, but police have only just released details as they launch a witness appeal.

Investigating officer PC Simon Varrall of Kent Police said: "This was a nasty incident in which the victim was seriously injured trying to protect his own pet.

"I'm keen to trace the owner of the dog in question and would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to get in touch."

There has been an alarming 357% rise in dog attack incidents in Kent since 2012.

Despite this, the number of people charged by police has decreased, with action taken against just 6% of suspects last year.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Varrall on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/8120/15.

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