THREE Rottweilers attacked a small terrier and two women in a terrifying incident in Poole.

The women, one in her 70s and one in her 40s, were knocked to the ground and the dog suffered a deep wound to the back of its leg.

The younger woman was left with bite marks and bruising to her arm and hands. The other woman did not sustain any significant injuries.

Now police have appealed for information about the incident, which took place at around 9.20pm on Wednesday June 6.

The three large dogs were with a man, woman and child but were not on leads. The man headed in the direction of Turlin Moor after becoming abusive to the women as he retrieved the dogs.

Police said the women were walking in the Lytchett Bay View nature reserve off Border Drive when they noticed the Rottweilers in the distance.

Shortly afterwards one of the dogs came running toward them and the younger woman picked up their pet to protect him.

She was jumped on from behind and knocked to the ground by the Rottweiler, which began to attack the dog and the woman.

The two other Rottweilers came over and knocked the older woman to the ground.

The man who was with the dogs came over to intervene and managed to get the Rottweilers away from them but then became abusive. He then left with the dogs in the direction of Turlin Moor.

The West Highland Terrier required veterinary treatment.

Police Constable Sophie Flood, of Poole police, said: "This was a very traumatic incident for the women involved and their dog has been left with nasty injuries.

"I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone who saw a group of people with three Rottweilers in the area to please contact police."

Dog walkers in the nature reserve yesterday were shocked to hear about the attack.

Gee Lomax, who walks her dogs twice a day in the area, said she had never seen Rottweilers there.

“I’m shocked to hear about this, something needs to be done about it, it’s not right. Those dogs should have been muzzled and on leads.”

She added: “I feel quite safe here because I know everyone’s dogs.”

Kathy Allkins said: “It’s very nasty and a bit worrying something like that happened here. I’ve never had any problems walking my dogs here but I’ll be on the lookout now.”

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55180086829 or to the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.