A 10-YEAR-OLD boy was left traumatised when his family pet was mauled to death by two larger dogs in front of him.

Police said the incident happened when the child and his grandfather, who owned the dog, were walking the white Bichonfrise called Buddy in Accrington.

When they reached the path adjacent to the end of Howard Close two large dogs attacked Buddy and he died from his injuries.

The community is now calling for the dog owner responsible to come forward after the 'heartbreaking' attack.

Hyndburn Police launched a public appeal on Facebook for anyone with information about the incident which happened at 7.30am on Sunday.

Commenting on the post family member Jess Allen said: "My beautiful baby Buddy, I can't believe the owner was stood whilst Buddy was being attacked.

"Now my nan and her partner are left heartbroken along with the rest of us.

"This is disgusting.

"Please if anyone saw this happen, please come forward so we can catch these monsters."

Another comment from Sian Clark said: "How awful, poor Buddy and his owners.

"How terrible to witness this happening to your pet.

"Sick of these scumbags with out of control dogs.

"If you can't control them keep them on a leash and muzzle them."

Kath Walmsley said: "I walk along that path. Most dog owners keep their usually well behaved dogs on leads.

"But it's the vicious out of control dogs that are out without leads and it's the idiotic brainless louts who make them that way.

"I won't be walking along that path now."

Another message from Kevin Singleton said: "Someone knows who this is.

"I hope they report him-could be another little dog or a child next time. Shocking."

Following the attack officers said the man who owned the two dogs escaped towards Lonsdale Street.

Police said the person responsible for the dogs was described as white, around 5 feet 9 inches in height, slim build and aged in his 50s.

A police spokesman said: "Unfortunately Buddy hasn't survived the injuries he sustained.

"Clearly this incident has caused a lot of distress for the young child who has witnessed the incident.

"Both of the offending dogs are described as quite large; one had a tanned pattern with white patches and the other dog was tanned."

Cllr Mohammed Ayub, who represents the Central ward on Hyndburn Council where the incident happened, said he was 'shocked and saddened' to hear about the attack.

He said: "The person who owns the big dogs that attacked Buddy should know to have them on a lead if they could be aggressive and dangerous to others.

"Obviously nobody wants to witness something like this but for a 10-year-old to have to see it is devastating.

"It must have been so shocking and disturbing for him to witness.

"I just hope the police manage to get to the bottom of the incident."

The RSPCA said the 'awful' case would be handled by police under the dangerous dogs attack, but urged dog owners to think about their pets' behaviour.

A spokesman said: "Owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their dogs are under control at all times.

"If you are concerned about your dog's behaviour you should seek expert advice."

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting log reference LC-20170813-0444