A shih tzu was left seriously injured after being mauled by two bullmastiffs in Paddock Wood.

Bonnie Sterling was walking seven-year-old George on his lead along Tutsham Way when she spotted the dogs roaming unsupervised.

The 18-year-old crossed over the road but they began bounding towards her.

Before she could react the dogs launched the attack on George, who was left with serious injuries to his lower back.

The terrifying situation could have been worse had it not been for the help of a selfless motorist who pulled over to help.

Miss Sterling, of Whitefriars Road in Tonbridge, passed blood-covered George through Katie Juson’s black Audi window.

“There was blood dripping everywhere, it was awful" - Beth Gurr

As she tried to get into the car herself the bullmastiffs continued their pursuit and scratched her arms and neck.

Beth Gurr, George's owner and Miss Sterling's partner, said the first she knew of the incident was when she opened her door to find her dog covered in blood.

The 19-year-old, of Cogate Road, Paddock Wood, has owned George since he was six weeks old.

She said: “There was blood dripping everywhere, it was awful. The first thing we did was take George to the vet. He had to stay in overnight and is now on antibiotics and painkillers.

“We really wanted to find the woman who helped Bonnie. We managed to track Katie down through Facebook. Without her there could have been so much more damage. It could have been so much worse, she made sure they both got home okay. Bonnie said she wouldn’t have known what she would of done if she wasn’t there to help."

Miss Sterling added: “It was terrible. The dogs came out of nowhere and ran straight up to me. In that moment I didn’t know what I was going to do. They were out of control. George is getting better but whenever we go near him he just starts shaking.”

A police spokesman confirmed officers were called in relation to the incident at around 4.30pm last Thursday. Inquiries are ongoing.