WHEN Wendy Hart was walking her dog on Southampton Common she was horrified when he was attacked by a German shepherd dog for no apparent reason.

But Wendy was even more upset when, she claims, the German shepherd's owner simply walked away without even saying sorry for causing serious injuries to six-year-old Dillon.

Wendy, who was walking Dillon with her two other springer spaniels, had to summon help from three passers-by before rushing her pet to the vet.

Dillon, who was bitten from behind, underwent emergency surgery at Christopher Carter veterinary surgery in Winchester Road, Shirley, and received more than 30 stitches.

Now Wendy wants to warn other dog walkers and people with children to steer clear of the dog that attacked Dillon.

Wendy, 39, of Imperial Avenue, Shirley, Southampton, said: "Dillon came out of the bushes to pick a ball up and the German shepherd just flew at his back end for no reason and ripped a lump of skin off his back the size of my hand. The owner just stood there with his other white German shepherd - he had no leads or collars for the dogs and he made no apology."

Wendy has spoken to other dog walkers on the Common since the attack to find out if anyone has seen the man with the two white German shepherds, who also has an Old English sheepdog.

She said: "Everybody says they always avoid him."

Hampshire police spokesman Kevin Briscoe appealed to any other dog walkers whose animals have been attacked by the German shepherd to come forward.