A MAN was bitten in an attack after he was knocked off his feet by three dogs, and then verbally abused by the owner as he lay injured, it is claimed.

A number of dogs, believed to have been walked by the same woman, bounded over to the man in Hockley Woods.

One of the dogs then knocked the victim over and another bit him on the knee.

The Echo understands another woman then “non-stop” verbally abused the man while he was laying on the floor.

The victim said he did not need hospital treatment following the incident.

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Essex Police have now launched an investigation following the dog attack, which took place last Wednesday.

Simon Harvey, who launched the Friends of Hockley Woods group, says he has met the dog walker previously.

Mr Harvey, 52, said: “The dogs often come bounding over to say ‘hello’.

“My cockerpoo, Norman, is quite submissive and just stands there until they go away.

“They all scare my dog and crowd around him.

“She’s been friendly to me before, but she has got loads of dogs, and some of them are quite big.

“Before the news about the attack I felt a bit sorry for her that people didn’t like the way her dogs act.”

Mr Harvey, who originally set up the group to help catch a flasher in the woods, said incidents like this were unusual for the area.

According to reports on social media, a dog was attacked by another dog in the woods last week.

In relation to the incident last Wednesday, police say no arrests have been made.

However, enquiries continue.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following an incident in Hockley where a man was bitten by a dog.

“It happened in Gusted Hall Lane at around 5.50pm on July 7.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.

“If you have any information you can submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the “live chat” button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

“Please quote the crime reference number: 42/132565/21 “You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”