A disabled woman says Christmas is ruined after the third attack on her dog left her with a £600 vet bill.

Linda Barnes, of Peel Crescent, Braintree, has reported last Saturday’s attack near her home to the RSPCA, police and Braintree Council.

She claims a Staffy cross dog ran over and had its jaws over the head of her Lhasa Apso, Chester, causing a series of puncture wounds.

Mrs Barnes, whose friend managed to free Chester, added: “The owner didn’t even come over and say sorry or come and see if everything was OK.

“It’s ruined my Christmas.”

Mrs Barnes, 54, said Chester has pet insurance, but she did not want to make a claim because her premium would go up.