A DOG was taken to the vets with eye socket injuries after another dog attacked it.

An elderly couple were walking their three pets near St Mary's Recreation Ground in St Mary's Lane in St Leonards at 1.15pm on Thursday.

A black Staffordshire Terrier, which had a white patch on its chest, ran towards them and jumped on the woman.

It did not hurt her, but it then attacked one of her pets, a Border Terrie. It left the dog with extensive bruising and a bitten eye socket which needed treatment. When the woman's husband tried to stop the attack, he was bitten on the thumb causing cuts and bruising, police said.

The Staffordshire Terrier’s owner came over and took hold of the dog's collar but did not seem to have a lead.

She is described as large, white, aged about 35, with dark brown straight hair.

PC Elisabeth Kelly said: "This was a nasty incident which must have been very frightening for the couple. If you saw what happened or recognise the description of the woman please call us.

Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 821 of July 8.