Woman attacked by dog thieves in Kempston near Bedford

Two men ran towards the direction of Queens Park after attacking and attempting to steal a woman's dogs in a wooded area next to Hillgrounds Playing Fields

A woman has been assaulted by two men who attempted to steal her dogs.

She was walking her chihuahua and papillon in a wooded area in Kempston, near Bedford, when she was struck, Bedfordshire Police said.

The incident happened between 12:00 and 13:00 GMT on Tuesday, near the River Great Ouse.

One man approached her from behind snatched one of the dogs; the other grabbed her hair and struck her several times before both ran off.

The pair headed towards a bridge linking Kempston and Queens Park.

Police said the stolen dog was safely reunited with its owner.

The first man is described as white, in his mid to late 30s, of large, muscular build and around 5ft 11in (180cm) tall and was wearing a navy blue T-shirt and blue skinny jeans.

The second man was white, in his 20s, of slight build and approximately 5ft 10in (177cm) tall, with brown hair. Both suspects had "buzz cut" hairstyles.

Det Con Craig Storey said the woman had been "left injured and incredibly shaken" and he appealed for information from anyone who was in the area.

"I would also ask other dog walkers in the area to be vigilant while we continue our inquiries," he said.

Community policing officers have increased patrols in the area.