A woman was injured when protecting her dog from a Staffordshire bull terrier in north-east Essex.

The woman in her 50s was bitten by the brindle-coloured Staffordshire bull terrier, which was not on a lead, in Marine Parade, Harwich.

She suffered injuries to her wrist during the incident at around 5pm on Monday.

News of the incident emerged today when Essex Police launched a witness appeal.

Three people were seen with the Staffordshire bull terrier. They are described as a white woman of large build with short cropped fair hair who was aged in her 20s, a woman with dark coloured hair in a Mohican style and a man aged in his 20s of slim build.

Pc Kevin Ward said: “This occurred at a location where there would likely have been other people or dog walkers on the beach or near to it.

“I am keen to hear from anyone that may have witnessed the incident or may know the identities of those in charge of the Staffordshire bull terrier dog at the time of the attack especially as one of the females had a distinctive Mohican hair style.”

People with information are urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.