An out of control dog "bit off" a pensioner's thumb in his own home.

Police are now trying to trace the owner of the white and black pitbull which entered the victim's house in Coolinge Road, Folkestone.

The incident happened at 1pm on Wednesday and the man aged in his 70s was rushed to hospital after the animal bit his thumb.

He was taken to hospital with "serious injuries", police said.

It is believed the top of the man's thumb was bitten off in the attack.

He was transferred to a specialist handcare unit in East Grinstead, West Sussex, after originally being taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

After entering the house, a woman came to collect the dog and led it away.

She has been described as white with medium length light brown hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Victoria Morse on 01843 222289 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.