AN East Tilbury man has issued a warning to dog owners in the area after his family's pet was attacked at Coalhouse Fort.

Graham Nelder has told of the attack on two-year-old Jack Russell Minnie on Wednesday, 28 June.

He said: "Minnie Loves going out for walks and gets on brilliantly with all the other dogs.

"On Wednesday she was at coalhouse Fort on her lead when a Doberman which was off the lead came hurtling towards her. My wife picked Minnie up quickly but the Doberman just launched itself at her which sent Julie and Minnie into the hawthorn bushes.

"The doberman was on top of her with its jaw locked around Minnie's abdomen, shaking her furiously. She had a serious loss of blood. We rushed her straight to the vets. Where they discovered the four punctures of the canine teeth.

Minnie

"She had to undergo general anaesthetic due to having air in her chest cavity. Also they had to check her abdomen and organs.

"We've been in bits the past 24 hours. It really was touch and go. Thankfully, she has come through surgery and should be home soon. They had to stich the bites as they were so deep. Fortunately, we have insurance. Although the excess is down to us, the total bill is in excess of £4,000

"Just a word of warning to anybody who takes their dog to the Fort. This Doberman is regularly walked down there off its lead. I wouldn't want anybody else to go through what we have."

A statement from Essex Police says: "We are currently investigating a dangerous dog incident which occurred at Coalhouse Fort Park in East Tilbury on 28 June at around 6pm.

"A dog was attacked by another in the park, resulting in serious injuries.

"This matter remains under investigation and we are currently liaising with local partners including local council dog wardens.