A distraught mum says they’ve lost “part of the family” after their dog died following a savage attack by another animal on a walk.

Nat Williams’ teenage son Samuel 15, was walking his Jack Russell Charlie in fields near their home in Cliffe Woods when a second dog - believed to a Rottweiler - “pounced out of nowhere”.

Within seconds Charlie had been ripped from his lead and was being “tossed in the air like a rabbit” as the teen tried desperately with his hands to beat away the other animal, which wasn’t tethered to its owner and who, according to Samuel, was “nowhere to be seen”.

Cradling his blood-soaked pet, Samuel, who suffered cuts trying to pull the dog off, called his dad Dan Williams who went to the recreation area and confronted the owner.

They then took Charlie to their vet in Snodand where he underwent emergency surgery to stitch gaping wounds. He was then transferred to a specialist centre in Maidstone but the family were told his injuries were so severe he could not be saved.

Meanwhile, Samuel went to Gravesham Community Hospital where he was treated for cuts to his hands and given antibiotics.

Mum Nat Williams, 46, told KentOnline: “I understand accidents do happen. But the dog was not on a lead and the owner was nowhere to be seen.

“He saw that Samuel was covered in blood and clearly very upset, but he didn’t ask if he was okay or if Charlie was alright.”

Nat added that when her husband asked for his details he gave them a false name and contact details.

She said he had a local accent and some residents have said that he has been seen around in the area with the dog.

The Medway family, including their other son Ben,19, were all left distraught after the ordeal.

Nat added: “We’ve had Charlie for 12 years and he is part of the family. It has obviously really shaken up Samuel.”

And while they had pet insurance for up to £1,000, the vet’s bill has risen to £3,500.

“It really is not about the money,” she explained. “But that's all because one person could not take responsibility or control their animal.

Samuel, a Gravesend Grammar School pupil, had returned home from a medical appointment on Monday (December 16) when he decided to take the dog out for a walk at about 2pm.

The field has a public footpath running through it and is popular with ramblers and dog walkers.

Police have confirmed their attendance at 2.46pm to a report that a small dog and a teenager who was walking it, were injured by another dog that was off its lead.

“The victim and their parent have been visited by the local neighbourhood officer and an investigation is underway,” a spokesman said.

Anybody who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Kent Police on 01634 792209, quoting reference 16-0715.