POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man and his dog were injured by two bulldogs at a beauty spot.

The attack happened in the woods of Apedale Country Park, Chesterton, near Newcastle, on Friday, between 3pm and 3.30pm.

The 58-year-old victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, was walking his silvery-grey Weimaraner bitch when two black bulldogs attacked his pet.

The father-of-three, who works as an engineer, said: "My dog was sitting by me on a slope when the two bulldogs came running up without their owner.

"One of them took hold of my dog by the neck and would not let go. I thought my dog was going to die as she was gagging and choking.

"I called for the dog's owner to get his dogs off my dog, but when he appeared, he couldn't control them either. Eventually I managed to get the dog's jaws open."

The owner received a number of bites to his right arm as he tried to protect his pet, but did not go to hospital.

The Weimaraner sustained serious neck injuries and has undergone surgery at a vet's.

The two bulldogs are described as similar to Staffordshire bull terriers.

One of them is said to be larger than the other and may be called Ben.

The bulldogs' owner, who is described as white and aged between 16 to 20, was wearing a black beanie hat, black jacket and black bottoms.

He initially helped the injured man, but did not leave contact details.

The victim now wants him to be traced to prevent future attacks.

He said: "Lots of people walk their dogs at that park including elderly people and children.

"If it had been a smaller dog, they wouldn't have stood a chance."

Investigating officer PC Dave Stubbs said police need to establish the reasons for the attack and to see if the dogs pose any threat to the public.

He said: "It is believed the dogs are regularly walked around the Apedale Country Park area and I would like to speak to their owner as soon as possible."

Call PC Stubbs on 0300 123 44 55 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.