AN ELDERLY woman was injured when her greyhound was attacked - and was also left with a £258 vet bill.

Margaret Smith, 79, from Little Marlow, was hurt after the offending dog's lead twisted around her legs and left her stunned and shocked.

The attack happened in Gossmore Park, where she had taken her dog, Grace, around 2.15pm on August 15.

Police have carried out enquiries but have been unable to identify the dog owner.

Mrs Smith said a medium-sized crossbred, brown and black dog came from nowhere.

She had seen a woman with two girls - one of whom was holding the dog’s extended lead, but appeared unable to hold on.

When running towards Grace, the attacker’s lead wrapped itself around Mrs Smith’s ankles. Mrs Smith got tangled and fell onto her knees, hurt.

"I was so much in shock and could not do anything sensible, like approaching the other lady," she said.

"I was in real pain and Grace was hurt, I just wanted to get away."

The other woman involved asked if Mrs Smith was fine, but did not offer any help and left as soon as she could, she said.

Eight-year-old Grace suffered injuries to the side of her body and was stitched up. The vet bill came to £258.00. The pensioner said the amount was a lot for her humble income.

No arrests have been made.

PC Richard Martin, Neighbourhood Officer, said: "This incident was reported and was recorded by Thames Valley Police as a dog out of control because an injury was caused to the victim’s dog. However it is classified as a crime related incident (ie. not actually listed as a crime).

"Police carried out some enquires at the park, but were unable to identify the owner of the offending dog. It would appear the offending dog jumped up at the victim’s dog causing it an injury, which required treatment at a nearby vets. "We have no details of the dog owner and limited description of the dog."

Police said they will not be actively investigating further because there are no lines of enquiry.

If you have any information contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting case reference number URN948.