Leicester: Man hurt after man and woman attempted to steal four dogs

The incident happened in Astill Lodge Road on Friday morning

A man suffered a "slash wound" when a man and woman attempted to steal four dogs he was walking, police have said.

The dog walker was approached by the woman in Astill Lodge Road, Leicester, just before 09:30 BST on Friday.

He told officers the woman tried to grab the leads of the dogs before the man came to help her and "produced a bladed weapon".

The victim sustained a slash wound to his hand and was taken to hospital for treatment, Leicestershire Police said.

The force said the couple left the scene empty-handed as the dog walker called 999.

"Officers attended the area, but the suspects were not traced," a spokesperson added.

"Inquiries are ongoing into the incident and anyone with information can contact police."

East Midlands Dog Rescue said the injured man was one of its volunteers, who was walking his four "little terriers", all of which were rescue dogs.

The animal charity said he "miraculously" held onto their leads as he refused to let go of them.

It urged other dog walkers to be vigilant.