AN elderly woman watched in horror as her beloved terrier was savaged by another dog.

Margaret Pagett, of Lulsley, was out walking her dog Polly when the attack happened on Tuesday, January 10.

She had to carry Polly back to her home and then to a vet, but the dog was too seriously injured and was put down.

This week, members of Alfrick and Lulsley Parish Council heard a letter from Michael Hood, a neighbour of Mrs Paget, describing the attack, which happened near the old railway line at Lulsley.

The letter named the owner of the attacking dog as Sam Driver White, another Lulsley resident.

"I've taken my grandchildren aged five and three walking on that path and I wish to be able to continue to do so," wrote Mr Hood.

Parish council clerk Geoffrey Brewin told councillors he had reported the attack to beat officer, PC Allen Naulls.

Mr Brewin is also going to contact MHDC dog warden Paul Hine.

After the meeting, Mr Hood said: "I'm concerned for the safety of others. I've seen children there, walking dogs. There is an issue of public safety."

Mr Driver White said he had been walking his dog on fields near his home when it ran out of sight and got into a fight with the other dog.

"I have spoken to the lady, said how sorry I am and offered to pay the vet's bills," he said. "It will not happen again because the dog will always have a muzzle when it's off my property.

"These are fields where I haven't seen anyone else walking for years, otherwise my dog would have been on a lead."