A dogowner has been "left heartbroken" after her pet was mauled to death by an "out of control" bullmastiff in north Watford.

The attack at around 11am in the wooded area off of Bushey Mill Lane, known locally as Mundon Oak. A woman in her 60s was walking her two dogs, a grey greyhound and a greyhound-wolfhound cross, when a bullmastiff approached and attacked the greyhound-wolfhound cross.

A man, who is believed to be the bullmastiff’s owner, ran over and apologised to the woman. The man then took the dog away but didn’t leave any contact details. He is described as a white man, aged between 40 and 50 and of slim build.

The woman took the greyhound to the vets but the injuries sustained were so severe that the dog had to be put down.

PC Chris Aherne is investigating and said: "The woman could have been injured as she tried to separate the two dogs - thankfully this was not the case - but she has lost her beloved pet and has been left heartbroken.

"We would like to identify the man who was with the bullmastiff at the time of the incident and I would urge him to come forward and make contact with me straight away. I would also ask that if anyone knows his identity or witnessed the incident itself, or the events leading up to it, to contact me."

Anyone with any information in relation to this incident should contact PC Aherne via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101, citing crime reference C4/14/1349. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.