Elderly couple hospitalised by dog attack

The couple were walking in the north of the capital on Friday afternoon when they were injured in what police described as a “terrifying incident”.

The attack happened around 4pm at the junction of Boswall Parkway, Grierson Road and Boswall Drive.

Police said the 71-year-old man and 65-year-old woman were walking their own dog when they were attacked by a dog which was accompanied by its female owner.

The pair were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries, but were released later the same day.

The dog is described as being a male, tan-coloured pitbull-type breed, with a strong muscular build and large head. It may have had a leather harness.

It was accompanied by a woman aged between 30 and 40, 5ft 5in, with a large build, blonde hair and wearing a black parka-style jacket.

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Pc Carolyn Cutter, of Police Scotland, said: “This was an incredibly dangerous and terrifying incident and we are urgently seeking to trace the owner and the dog.”

Anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number, 101.

Yesterday, figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives revealed that more than 10 people a day are admitted to hospitals after being bitten or attacked by an animal.

Almost three-quarters of the 10,953 incidents which happened over the past three years in Scotland were caused by dog bites.

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