Police are trying to trace the owner of a dog that attacked a woman in Westbury’s Grassacre Park, as they fear it could pose a danger to children.

The 20-year-old was running in the park when she was attacked by a large, white dog, which was not on its lead.

Because of the animal’s size, it managed to reach as high as the woman’s right arm and bite through her jacket, leaving her with cuts and swelling.

The dog’s owner, a white woman dressed in black, tried to get the dog under control and apologised to the victim.

PC Gavin Hucks said: “Fortun-ately, the injury was minor. Nevertheless, it was extremely frightening for the victim. If she was not wearing her jacket, the injury could have been worse.

“Westbury Police has consulted with the council CCTV unit as there is a CCTV camera situated within the Grassacre Park, and have been given confirmation that a dog can be seen running loose within the park at the time and day in question.

“What is most concerning is that this dog was clearly not under control and that this occurred adjacent to the children’s play park.

“If this was a child running or walking through the park, the consequences could have been much worse.

“The victim does not wish to press charges, but it is imperative this does not happen again.”

The dog is described as large, with a white, woolly coat, similar to that of a Labradoodle, and it appeared to be fully grown.

Police are asking for the dog owner or anyone with information about the attack – at about 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 17 – to contact PC Hucks at Westbury, by either calling 101 or emailing to nptwestbury@ wiltshire.pnn.police.uk