A cyclist was in hospital for five days after a terrifying attack by a dog.

Steve Rowe was riding down a pathway in Dartford when the animal jumped up at him and bit his knee.

The 52-year-old said: "There was a guy and a dog lying on the ground and when I went around, the dog jumped up and bit me on my knee which caused me to fall off the bike.

"The dog latched onto my face and essentially his jaw was over my mouth.

"We proceeded to wrestle on the floor. The owner managed to drag the dog off me which was quite unpleasant.

"The owner was practically hysterical, screaming and shouting saying 'I am so sorry' and going on about the dog being a rescue. He was pretty upset, as you would be I guess."

Steve was cycling down the Darent Valley Path on Sunday, July 10 towards the creek, between the River Darent and Joyce Green Lane when the animal attacked at around 4pm.

The dog is reported to be a small Staffordshire terrier mix type which was white with a few light brown patches. Steve also said the man said he would call for an ambulance but left the area without getting help.

After the incident, Steve called a neighbour who took him to A&E at Darent Valley Hospital. He was then transferred to East Grinstead for plastic surgery where they stitched up his face.

He was there for five days as his hand – which was also bitten in the attack – became infected. Surgeons had to perform multiple operations to cut open his finger to clean it and he had to stay in hospital until it had cleared.

Steve was discharged on Friday afternoon but still needs to go in for regular check-ups as the injuries heal.

Speaking of the attack, the keen cyclist said: "It all happened so quickly. I did not have any chance to defend myself. It was very, very scary. I just wanted to get out there.

"I am feeling quite OK about it now. I will be a little bit nervous, I think, but we have a dog of our own so I am OK around them.

"I am just looking forward to getting out on my bike again but I cannot yet because of my hand.

"The important thing is to get the dog off the streets. It is dangerous."

Police are looking into the attack and are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Investigating officer PC Tom Berrecloth said: "This was a frightening incident for the victim and it is important that we talk to the owner to ascertain the circumstances surrounding what happened and to ensure there is not a repeat of this incident. I would dread to think what may have happened if the victim had been a child."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01474 366149 quoting reference 46/133059/22. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.