On average a dog attack takes place at least once a week in the Braintree district.

Postal workers, children and community wardens were among those bitten during March through to August.

However, many of 32 attacks have been dog-on-dog and in some cases the attacking dogs have been off the lead.

Attacks have taken place on playing fields, residential areas and even in town centres.

Details of the attacks were revealed through a Freedom of Information request to Braintree Council.

The council’s environmental health manager Colin Batchelor said apologies were “rare” after attacks, but occasionally the owner responsible would pay the vet bill.

See this week's paper for the full story.