A MAN out walking his dogs was hit by a four wheel drive vehicle in what police believe was a deliberate attack.

The attackers then jumped out of the dark coloured vehicle, beat him up and killed one of his dogs.

The 48-year-old victim who suffered fractured ribs, a punctured lung and a large cut to his head, remained poorly but stable today.

The local man was found by cyclists near the Cemex cement works, behind Thornley Station Industrial Estate, near Shotton Colliery, County Durham, at about 11.45am yesterday morning.

Detective Inspector Steve Chapman, who is heading the investigation said: "The man was walking his dogs down the Haswell to Hart Countryside Walkway cycleway in the direction of Wingate.

"He came to the junction with a farm track leading off Salter's Lane (B1280), near Shotton Colliery.

"As he crossed the track he heard a vehicle revving in the background and the next thing he knew he had been knocked over."

DI Chapman said the man may have been hit more than once by a dark-colour 4 X 4.

He said: "Two men then got out of the vehicle and attacked him with stick-like weapons. The victim suffered serious injuries as a result."

DI Chapman said the victim had been walking five Dalmatians at the time - one on a lead. The dog on the lead appeared to have been deliberately killed by the men.

Two cyclists on the walkway found the victim stumbling back in the direction from which he had come.

DI Chapman said: "At this stage, while keeping an open mind, we do not believe it was an accident.

"Clearly they have inflicted serious injuries on this gentleman. Certainly, it would appear they have gone out to run him over and cause him harm."

Police were today carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area, as forensic specialists continued with their investigations at the scene.

DI Chapman said: "At this stage we are looking for a dark-coloured four-wheel drive vehicle which is believed to be responsible.

" We are seeking witnesses who may have seen this vehicle acting suspiciously before the incident or leaving the scene at speed."

Anyone with information should contact 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.