A HAMPSHIRE mum was left with a suspected broken nose after being punched in the face during a row with a fellow dog walker.

Emma Hansford was out with her six-year-old son walking her Japanese Akita, Reg, through woodland when she was confronted by a woman walking a black labrador who said her dog wasn’t under control.

An argument broke out when the woman told Miss Hansford that Reg, who was jumping up at her dog, should be wearing a muzzle because he was dangerous.

But when she apologised for any distress and turned to walk away the woman lashed out at 32-year-old Miss Hansford and punched her in the face.

She said: “The woman came charging up to me shouting and swearing. She kept yelling that my dog needed to wear a muzzle because he was dangerous.

“I tried to explain that he was just being playful but she wasn’t having any of it.”

Miss Hansford, a mum of three from Mansbridge Road, Southampton, added: “She hit me so hard my head snapped back and my eyes started to water. At first I was shocked and stunned but then I felt disgusted that she would hit me in front of my son.

“Then I noticed the blood running down my nose from where her rings had slashed my skin.”

Miss Hansford immediately called police, who later took a statement from her, and she was treated by paramedics at her home.

The assault happened in Telegraph Woods, West End, at 1.15pm on Thursday, while Miss Hansford was out with son Tommy.

PC Stacey Mills said: “We are appealing for witnesses following an assault at Telegraph Woods in West End on Thursday, October 28. The assault occurred at around 1.15pm as the victim, a 32-year-old woman, was walking her dog.

“An argument took place between the victim and another woman, who was also walking her dog, about the dog’s behaviour. The victim was then hit in the face.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Eastleigh police station on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.