A family have been left traumatised and one suffered injury to their hand after being attacked by dogs at a nature reserve.

The terrifying incident happened to a family as they took their two dogs for a walk around Rede Common, Strood.

Julie and Steve Dixon were also with their two youngest daughters.

However, just several minutes into their walk, another dog bounded towards them and attacked their puppy, Bailey.

Mr Dixon leapt to the ground to try and protect the one year old Spaniel however, the dog suffered a bite injury to his ear.

But at that point, several more dogs launched themselves at the family, leaving Mrs Dixon with a nasty gash on her hand.

The family claim the man walking the dogs did nothing to stop the ferocious attack.

Mrs Dixon of Tamar Drive in the town, who also has a son, Matty 13 and a step-daughter Sydney also 13, said: "My girls were hysterical I was in shock and bleeding badly.

"The owner eventually came over said nothing and just kicked his dogs to move on and walked off still saying nothing.

"None of his dogs had collars or ID tags and he had no leads at all.

"Our poor Bailey and our poor girls were left screaming crying out.

"Luckily someone heard us and they were a lovely couple and their son came straight up to help us, but we were all left in shock."

The incident has left Mrs Dixon frightened to walk her dogs and has lead police to issue an appeal for information.

Mrs Dixon also said her daughters, Darcy, five, and Ruby, eight who are on the autistic spectrum have been left traumatised by the attack.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene and Mrs Dixon was taken to hospital.
The family also had to pay a £250 vet bill for Bailey's treatment and he is now recovering.

James Walker, a spokesman for police said:"Kent Police is investigating a report that a woman was bitten by an out of control dog in Rede Common, at 10.30am.

"The same dog is also reported to have attacked the dog the victim was walking and was one of three dogs being walked by a man described as being white, bald and aged in his 50s or early 60s.

"At present no arrests have been made however officers are conducting ongoing inquiries."

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting XY/38395/18.

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