POLICE said a man was 'lucky to be alive' following a street attack.
The 27-year-old needed hospital treatment for serious head injuries following the attack in Front Street, Perkinsville, near Chester-le-Street.
A 29-year-old local man was arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Detectives have appealed for witnesses to the attack, which happened between 5.30pm and 6pm on Sunday, December 3.
The victim was walking his white Staffordshire Bull Terrier when he was set upon from behind by a hooded man.
Det Sgt Terry McCabe believed the attack must have been witnessed by passing motorists.
He said: "This is a particularly busy road and there is every possibility drivers passing the scene may have seen the attack, may have seen a hooded man or may have seen the victim walking his dog.
"We would like anyone who saw any element of this chain of events to get in touch with us."
Anyone with information should call Chester-le-Street Police on (0191) 3884311.
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