A WOMAN and her corgi were seriously injured in a vicious attack by a dog thought to be a rottweiler.

The dog sunk its teeth into Patricia Keeley's mouth and hand as she tried to stop it mauling her pet Meg.

Patricia, 57, was walking Meg at 8.20am today on Harvey Street playing fields, Oswaldtwistle, when she heard voices shouting in the distance.

She said: "Suddenly this dog appeared and went straight for Meg. I couldn't get it off her.

"A boy appeared and hit the dog on the head with his fist, and another boy came with a stick and tried to push it into the dog's mouth but it wouldn't let go."

As Patricia was bending down to try and pull the dog away, it whipped round and bit her face and mouth, and later bit her hand.

She finally managed to get away and ran back to her Burns Avenue home, Oswaldtwistle, bringing the nine-year-old pedigree corgi.

Meg's leg was due to be amputated today in an attempt to save her life. Patricia was treated at Blackburn Royal Infirmary and is now recovering at home.

PC Conrad Tapp, who is investigating the incident, said Patricia was hysterical with grief and terror when he arrived at the scene and was more concerned about her beloved pet than her own injuries.

He said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack and it is vital that we trace this dangerous animal as quickly as possible."

PC Tapp said he was very concerned that, if a child was attacked, the victim might be unable to fight back and be seriously injured.

He said he believed the dog belonged to the two youngsters who tried to pull it away. If anyone knows the dog or its owners, they are asked to contact Accrington police station on 01254 382141 as soon as possible.