A man was left terrified after a dog was set on him by two strangers late at night.
Police said the victim suffered bruising after he was then attacked by the dog's owner.
The 30-year-old man was walking home alone down Elmsleigh Drive, Leigh, when he walked past the men, said a police spokesman.
One of the suspects let the animal off its lead and it ran after the victim. Fortunately, the dog did not attack the shocked man.
Both men then approached the victim and started kicking and punching him, leaving him with bruising.
The police spokesman said: "This was an unprovoked assault and we are very keen to apprehend these two men."
One of the men is described as white, aged between 18 and 20, about 5ft 7in tall and with very short fair hair. He spoke with a "common" accent and was possibly wearing a white tracksuit top.
The victim thinks the dog was white but could not describe it more specifically, the spokesman added.
Anyone with information about the assault, which happened on Sunday night at around 11.15pm, should contact Southend police by calling 01702 431212.
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003
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