An elderly man was left with bite marks on his arm after a dog attacked him in a nature reserve.

Police put out an appeal for anyone with information to come forward after a man in his 70s was bitten by a Golden Retriever in Blandford. A woman has since come forward to assist police.

The victim was walking his dog at Milldown Nature Reserve on Wednesday, July 15 when he came across a Golden Retriever with a woman and young boy.

Dorset Police said the two dogs started playing with each other, but then the Golden Retriever became aggressive and the elderly victim grabbed hold of it to stop it from attacking his dog.

When the victim returned to his car he realised he had been bitten on his arm. His jeans were also ripped and he had scratches on his legs.

The woman is described as white, aged in her late 20s or early 30s, approximately five feet six inches tall and well-built with shoulder length blonde hair. The boy was aged between 11 and 13 years old. The dog is believed to be called ‘Obey’.

Police Constable Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and would ask anyone who recognises the woman and boy or their dog from the description given to please get in touch.”

UPDATE: A woman has come forward following and is assisting officers with their enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200111676. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.