A FARMER has spoken out after he was punched by a dog walker when he accused the man’s dog of attacking his sheep.

Police are appealing for witnesses after Robert Fear, 66, was assaulted on Friday at 6.45pm on Brook Road, Broadmead, near his fields.

After receiving a phone call from a friend who warned him that a dog was in the field worrying the sheep, he went down to the field where he met the dog’s owner.

The pair had a heated discussion about the dog being allowed to run loose, scaring the sheep, which ended in Mr Fear being punched in the face, giving him a split lip and breaking his teeth.

Mr Fear said: “I was so shocked when he actually punched me, I didn’t see it coming. It is going to cost me £1,000 in dental bills. My mouth is still sore and I am angry more than anything.”

A police spokesman said: “The dog walker must have had injuries to his knuckles from knocking out the tooth. Please call 101 with any information.”