POLICE today stepped up their hunt for the owner of a dog that launched a vicious attack in woodland.

A 50-year-old man was running with his wife through Ampfield Woods when he passed a couple walking three dogs.

When the joggers ran past the group one of the Dobermans bit the man on the leg in an unprovoked attack.

PC William Nye, said: “He had a small puncture wound and a bit of bruising, and he was a bit upset about it and called the police.

“We are not looking to punish the dog or the people but we would like to help avoid this happening again.”

The couple walking the dogs are described as being white and in their late teens, and were both wearing walking boots.

The woman had long brown hair and was wearing a green parka-style jacket, while the man had short blonde curly hair and was wearing a dark brown Barbour-style jacket.

The incident happened between 3.30pm and 4pm on New Year’s Day and was about 250 yards away from Jermyns Lane.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 and ask for PC 21105 Nye.