POLICE are hunting the owner of a large St Bernard-type dog after a woman in her 60s was bitten as she walked in a field.

Officers have appealed for help to trace the woman, who had three other dogs with her, after the incident on the North Dorset Trailway on March 25.

The victim suffered piercing to her skin and bruising.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "During the morning of Wednesday March 25 a local woman aged in her 60s was walking her dog on the North Dorset Trailway, known locally as the Shillingstone Trailway, when she entered a field off the footpath in the direction of Child Okeford.

"A young boy was in the field and shouted back to a woman. Four dogs then entered the field and the largest one, which was similar to a St Bernard, approached the victim and bit her on the leg. This caused her skin to pierce and bruise.

"The woman did not speak to the victim and took the dog away from her."

The owner of the four dogs is described as white, aged in her late 30s or early 40s and of stocky build with short blonde hair.

Police Constable Jennie Sykes, of Dorset Police, said: “This incident has had a lasting impact on the victim and she is now finding alternative routes to walk her dog.

“While I appreciate this took place over a week ago, I am hoping someone may recognise the owner of the four dogs from the description given.

“If you were the woman walking the four dogs on that day, please get in touch so we can speak to you and establish the full circumstances of what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on101, quoting occurrence number 55200044499, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.