A WOMAN was bitten by a dog while trying to protect her own pet from attack.

The 19-year-old victim was walking her dog in Milton Road, Westcliff, when a light brown dog, believed to a Staffordshire bull terrier or similar breed, ran towards them.

Her dog was attacked and she was bitten on her hands while trying to fight off the other animal.

A passer-by intervened and managed to pull off the terrier and put it on a lead.

The owner of the terrier gave the victim a phone number and left the scene. But the number was later found to be false.

The victim was later taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries.

The owner of the other dog was described as being a woman in her twenties and about 5ft 5in tall. She had shoulder-length black hair and was wearing a white vest and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Any witnesses to the incident, which took place at 4.40pm on Saturday, August 16, or anyone who can identify the woman should contact Pc Terry Wilson at Southend Police station on 101.