A man arrested on suspicion of an attempted robbery which left a dog with stab wounds has been released on bail.
The22-year-old man, from Loughton, was arrested at his home at 3am on Friday.
The victim was walking the dog on grassland next to Epping Forest College in Borders Lane, Debden, when he was approached by a man at 7pm on Wednesday.
The man then attempted to stab the victim with a kitchen knife, estimated to be up to seven inches long.
The victim was not injured but his dog, a Rottweiler, suffered a stab wound to the chest and was taken to a vet for treatment.
The dog has since been taken home.
The arrested man is due to answer to bail on October 3.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here