POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after a dog walker was allegedly assaulted on Redcar’s Coast Road.

The incident happened at around 12pm on Friday (September 3) and involved a man walking a small Papillon dog and a man walking a dog described as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

This dog is reported to have attacked the Papillon dog. The owner of the Papillon is believed to have tried to separate the dogs.

The male owner of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is then reported to have punched the owner of the Papillon dog, causing him to fall backwards onto the ground. As a result, the other man, aged in his 70s, has suffered an injury to his hip and received treatment in hospital.

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The Papillon dog was later put down due to its injuries.

Officers are keen to trace the owner of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is described as a male, wearing a cap. He had a bike with a trailer attached.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting 148715. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or go online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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