A 14-WEEK-old puppy was savaged and died from its injuries after being attacked by a bull terrier close to a children's play area in Grays today.

The shocking incident, which also saw the dog's 80-year-old owner George Chaplin bitten by the terrier, happened at 7am (Saturday, 18 June) and George and his family have spoken of their devastation and horror at what happened.

The puppy was a female Labrador named Troy and she was being taken for exercise on land close to Kilverts Field and Grays Beach. The attack happened in the car park adjacent to Thames Road near Thurrock Yacht club by the side of the Thames where Mr Chaplin had parked.

Mr Chaplin, who lives on London Road, had just got his puppy, described by his daughter Anita Ayres as his 'lifeline', out of his car when a blond-haired woman with the white English Bull Terrier on a lead approached them. The golden-haired puppy playfully edged towards the older dog, which reacted by snapping and biting Troy's head with a crushing grip.

The woman attempted to pull her dog away but could not and Mr Chaplin intervened, only to be attacked himself by the dog which pulled him to the ground and bit him on his arm.

George Chaplin

The woman simply walked away with her dog, leaving Mr Chaplin to lift his whimpering puppy into his vehicle and head off to a nearby vet's practice, but before he got there Troy vomited blood and died.

Mr Chaplin himself required treatment for his wound at Orsett Hospital Minor Injuries Unit.

His daughter Anita, from Canvey Island, said: "Dad is totally devastated. Troy, who was named after Helen of Troy, was his lifeline. What happened is horrific and it could have been worse.

"Dad is 80 and has a blood condition and is on thinners. I dread to think what might have happened has his wounds been worse. He would have been a goner. And this is an area where there are normally a lot of children. Thankfully it was early so there were none around, but they might have witnessed it had it been another time and who knows what might happen if a child approached this dog?

"It's owner and the dog need to be identified and found. We have reported this to the police and they are investigating. If anyone has any information, they could let the police know by calling 101, or if they don't want to talk to the police, please talk to me. Give me a call on 07548 224406.

"This is just horrific. This dangerous dog and its owner need to be identified. Any information will be greatly appreciated, and I will not rest till they are found."

And she ended poignantly by saying: "Run free Troy, you beautiful girl."