A dog was found abandoned in Flamstead and police are appealing to trace the owner after it bit a woman and another dog.

A woman was driving along Pietley Hill between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, August 2, when she came across an abandoned Japanese Akita on a dog bed.

She tried to befriend the dog in order to take it a kennel, but as they were walking along the dog became spooked and bit the woman before returning to its bed.

A short while later, a dog walker passed by and the Akita bit the other dog. The dog walker then left the area.

Police officers came to help safely detain the Akita, which was taken to a specialist shelter to prevent any risk to members of the public.

PCSO Rowen Sheppard said: “Enquiries to trace the owner of the Akita have so far proved unsuccessful. I am appealing to anyone with information about the dog or its owners to please come forward.

““I am also keen to trace the dog walker whose dog was attacked. If this was you, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hemel North Rural, West and Central Safer Neighbourhood Team via the non-emergency number 101.