POLICE officers are continuing to investigate a vicious dog attack which resulted in a traumatised owner's four-month-old dog having to be put down.

Kristie Skinner, 27, was walking in Garland Road, Parkeston, at about 8.15pm on February 25, with Polar, a Chihuahua and Pomeranian crossbreed.

She was also accompanied by her 22-year-old sister, who is believed to have waited outside the Premier shop with the puppy while Mrs Skinner went inside.

All of a sudden a dark coloured Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog is reported to have attacked the tiny dog.

Mrs Skinner's sister, who was holding the puppy on a lead, was then also pulled to the ground and suffered grazes and a sore back and ribs.

After the dogs had been pulled apart the two men who were with the attacking dog left the scene.

Tragically, after visiting a vet, it was established Polar had a damaged vertebrae, dislocated neck and was paralysed.

Heartbroken Mrs Skinner was told even if she took him to a specialist there would only be a 5-10 per cent chance of survival.

As a result of its extensive injuries, Mrs Skinner's young dog had to be put down.

The owner of the attacking dog has since been described as being a 6ft tall black man with a slim build, dreadlocks past his shoulders and a small beard.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We are continuing our enquiries into an incident in which a puppy was attacked, and a woman injured during a dog attack.”

The force is now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact the force by calling 101 and quoting reference 42/38741/21.