Cyclist suffers "potentially life-changing leg injury" from dog attack in Lancaster

Thursday, 2 June 2022 10:18

Police are appealing for information after a Morecambe cyclist was attacked by a dog in Lancaster - resulting in what was described as "a potentially life-changing leg injury".

The cyclist, a woman in her 40s, was bitten by the dog on the cycle track behind the Priory Church/Lancaster Castle close to the Millennium Bridge while riding with her friend.

She had to brake to avoid a woman and child, and then a short time later they were approached by a man with two brown Staffy Bullmastiff-type dogs who accused them of almost knocking into his child.

It was reported he then slapped one of his dogs to the head, causing it to bite the victim on her upper leg and stay attached to her for several minutes before she managed to break free.

She was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary with what police described as "a potentially life-changing leg injury".

The woman has since been discharged.

No arrest has been made at this stage.

As part of ongoing enquiries, police are looking to identify and speak to the dog walker.

He is described as white, 5ft 9ins to 5ft 10ins tall, of a slim build with short back and sides brown hair. He is thought to be in his early 30s and was not wearing a top.

The incident happened on May 5, with the call coming to an ambulance at 4.23pm.

PC Richard Hannaford, of Morecambe Police, said: “This incident has left the victim with a very serious injury.

“As part of our ongoing enquiries we need to identify and speak to the man who was walking the dogs. I would urge anybody who knows who he is – or the man himself – to contact the police as soon as possible.

“Similarly, I would ask any witnesses or anybody with CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage which could assist our investigation to please get in touch.”

Email 5891@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 0917 of May 5, 2022.