AN ADORABLE pet pooch was “torn apart” as it was savagely attacked in a park, leaving his owner heartbroken.

Former teacher Michael Joannou, 61, watched in horror his dog eight-yearold dog Mollie came under attack in Chalkwell Park.

Mollie, a Bichon Frise, was rushed to the vets but died two hours later.

The dog that attacked her was off-lead at the time and believed to be a Boxer and Mastiff cross-breed.

Mr Joannou, from Leigh said: “I don’t know the words to describe it, she was torn apart in front of me.

“It happened on December 27 in Chalkwell Park and two smart people came past with the big dog and it ran past and then came back for Mollie.

“It was like a bat out of hell and ripped her to pieces. I couldn’t think about doing anything other than getting her help.

“I was holding on to her a nice young man helped me and took us to the vets.

It could have happened to a child and she had no chance.

“I wouldn’t have had any either and it could have turned on me.”

Now, Mr Joannou is calling for change and tougher new rules for dog-off leads in public spaces.

Mollie was being walked on her lead at the time of the attack.

He’s insisted he will not stop until he gets justice for his beloved pet.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating an incident where a dog died after it was reported to have been attacked by another dog.

“It happened in Chalkwell Park in Westcliff at around 3.30pm on 27 December.

“A Bichon Friese was injured and, sadly, later died.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.

“We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to contact us.

“If you have any information you can submit a report online at essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

“Please quote incident 794 of 27 December. You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”