Dog alerts woman to husband's assault

A dog raised the alarm after its owner suffered a "vicious and prolonged" attack, police said today.

The black Labrador ran home after the 40-year-old owner was seriously assaulted in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire, last night.

The dog alerted the victim's wife, who became worried as to where her husband had gone.

She went out looking for him and found him lying unconscious before contacting emergency services. He was taken to Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, where his condition was described as "very serious".

The incident happened between 9.15pm and 9.35pm, and police are treating the attack as attempted murder.

Detective Constable Stephen Ferry said: "From the extent of the victim's injuries, it is quite clear he has sustained a vicious and prolonged attack.

"We do not know how many people have carried out the assault, and due to the isolation of the cycle track any information from the public would be extremely helpful at this time.

"We know that the victim left his home in Stoneyholm Road at 9.15pm and would have walked briefly along this street, bringing him out at the cycle track near to PaddockHolm Industrial Estate.

"The victim was walking his black Labrador dog and was wearing a blue jacket and jeans.

"Did anyone see him taking this route and note anything suspicious at all? Was anyone hanging about or did anyone witness any different cars in the area?

"I would urge anyone who witnessed anything at all out of the ordinary to please come forward."

Detectives were carrying out door-to-door enquiries in and around the area of the assault and checking through all available CCTV.

Police appealed for witnesses.