Loughton Attempted Stabbing

21 August 2014, 09:27 | Updated: 21 August 2014, 09:30

Essex Police are investigating an attempted stabbing of a man in Loughton, which led to a dog being badly hurt.

The victim was attacked by a man with a kitchen knife while walking his dog in Borders Lane near Epping Forest College around 7pm last night.

The attacker tried to talk to the victim before pulling out the knife and trying to stab him.

The victim wasn't hurt but his dog, a Rottweiler, was left with a stab wound.

The attacker then ran off before jumping a fence and turning right into Colson Road.

The suspect is described as white, aged 17 to 22, 6ft 3in to 6ft 5in tall, of athletic to muscular build, with short hair, and clean shaven

He was wearing a grey tracksuit top, shorts, and trainers.

He also had a dark bag which was slung over his left shoulder and had pulled the knife from this.

The knife is described as a kitchen knife with a five to seven inch blade and a black handle.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Paul Tindall, said: "In the immediate aftermath of this incident the dog was rushed to a vets for treatment and is currently in a stable condition.

The owner has been left extremely shocked and distressed by what happened but was fortunately not physically hurt.

A full area search was carried out last night with the assistance of the police helicopter but the suspect has not yet been located.

An area of Borders Lane is currently cordoned off while we carry out forensic and other investigations at the scene.

We have not yet established a definite motive for this incident and would appeal for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact us.

The suspect was seen in company with another man with a yellow top prior to the incident and he also ran off.

"We are also very keen to trace a woman, who is believed to be a commuter, who spoke to the suspect shortly before the attack happened.

She is described as black, smartly dressed in black and was carrying a bunch of flowers.

We would urgently ask her to get in touch with us as we believe she could have information that would be of vital assistance to our enquiry.

We are determined to find the man who carried out this attack and arrest him as soon as possible.

Anyone who was in the Borders Lane area at the relevant time or thinks they may have any information of use can contact me at Loughton CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."