A trial date has been set for a man arrested by officers investigating an attempted robbery which left a dog with stab wounds.

Dominic James Bennett, 23, of Colson Road in Loughton, arrested at his home at 3am on August 22 following the incident in Borders Lane two days earlier.

A man was walking his dog on grassland next to Epping Forest College in Borders Lane, Debden, when he was approached by a man at 7pm.

The suspect 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 was taken home the following week.

Bennett answered bail on Friday and was charged with possessing a controlled class B drug.

He will appear before Chelmsford Magistrates Court on October 20.