A MAN was left with injuries to his thumb, after he was bitten by a dog in a St Albans park on Saturday.

The incident happened in The Wick Park, off Marshal’s Drive, between 2pm and 3pm.

A man was walking through the park, heading towards the shops, when he was bitten by a black and tan Rottweiller dog.

He managed to break free from the dog, but was then allegedly punched in the face by the dog’s owner.

The victim then ran off towards Sandpit Lane.

The dog owner is described as a white man, aged about 35 years old, of stocky build. He was around 5ft 10in tall and had a shaved head and was described as wearing a polo shirt, with horizontal red and blue stripes.

The dog had a docked tail and was wearing a black studded collar.

Investigating officer, PC Barry Eldridge, described it as a “nasty incident”, which left the victim very shaken.

He said: “It appears the dog owner may have deliberately encouraged his dog to attack the victim, which is totally unacceptable behaviour and I am very keen to bring this man to justice, as well as trace the dog.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the incident or can identify the owner of the dog, perhaps as another dog walker, to contact me.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Eldridge via the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.