A tiny pooch sank her teeth into a thug who punched her female owner - causing the attacker to scream and run off.
The brave dog was praised by police after saving her master from a more severe beating.
The woman dog-walker, who does not want to be identified, was strolling in the recreation ground parallel to Canvey Way, Benfleet, when a man appeared and punched her to the floor.
As the thug stood over the woman, her petite two-and-a-half-year-old Collie sprang into action.
The dog leapt towards the attacker and sunk its teeth into his leg causing him to yelp and run off.
PC Karen Mihill, at Benfleet police, said: "The dog is only small and you wouldn't have expected it to react like this."
The culprit is described as white, in his 20s, about 5ft 9in tall and wore a dark top, dark bottoms and grey woollen gloves.
Information to Benfleet police on 01268 756221.
Published Tuesday, May 20, 2003
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