POLICE in Scotland believe the owners of two dogs which viciously attacked a 47-year-old man may have come from the North.

John Smyth was walking with three of his family in Perthshire when he was attacked by two bull mastiffs.

He was badly injured in the incident on Tuesday and has since had to undergo plastic surgery. He is still recovering in hospital in Dundee.

The owners of the animals intervened to stop the attack, but then ran off before the emergency services arrived.

Detectives, who fear the animals could attack again, are now trying to trace them.

Detective Sergeant Neil MacDonald said: "Mr Smyth was very badly injured and there is little doubt that had a child been the victim of these dogs, the child could have been killed.

"This couple have been extremely irresponsible. They knew that their dogs had seriously injured this man, and yet they still chose to flee from the scene without giving any assistance."

Inquiries have revealed that the couple had been camping at Meikle Findownie, near Trochy. Police believe the car they were in was a green Renault Laguna, possibly M-registered.

The man, who is thought to have spoken with a Yorkshire accent, was between 30 and 40, about 6ft, of stocky build, with a tanned complexion and short, fair hair. He was wearing a blue T-shirt and light blue jeans. He also had tattoos on his upper body.

The woman was about 5ft 4ins, with shoulder-length blonde hair.

One dog was dark brown with black markings, and the other was light brown with black markings.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01738) 621141.