AN APPEAL has been launched following an assault on a dog walker in Elworth, near Middlewich.

At 4pm on January 15, a 43-year-old woman was walking her dog on the fields at the bottom of Marsh Green Road when two men approached her dog, which was off its lead. One of the men asked to look at her dog but then grabbed it by the collar and began walking off.

The woman caught up with the men and her dog and attempted to take her dog back off him but the other man went to intervene and grabbed her arm to pull her away.

The other man let go of the dog which then took hold of his trouser leg. The man managed to shake the dog off and the woman kicked out at the man before running to safety.

Det Insp Alison Ross said: “At some point in the altercation the woman’s clothing was cut and she discovered a cut to her arm. At no point was a knife seen however she clearly had a visible injury and was left shocked by the incident.

“We have not received any further reports but would ask the community, especially dog walkers, to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.”

The first man is described as white, 6ft tall and of stocky build. He was wearing a dark coloured hat with a scarf pulled over his mouth a dark jacket and dark green combat trousers. The second man is described as white, slimmer than the first man, and wearing similar clothing to the first man. The men we last seen running across the fields towards Bradwall. Anyone with information should contact Crewe police on 101 quoting incident number 684 of 15 January 2016. Alternatively information can be given by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.