An investigation has been launched following a dog attack which left a pet fighting for its life and a man with facial injuries.

Nick Davies, 39, of Cherrytree Rise in Buckhurst Hill, was walking Jack Russell, Yoda, in Buckhurst Way when the pair were approached by a large dog off of its lead last Tuesday (July 28).

Picking up the three-year-old terrier, Mr Davies said he was shocked when the dog lunged at him and held on to Yoda’s back leg.

Despite two drivers and a pedestrian stopping to help fight the animal off, both Mr Davies and Yoda suffered extensive injuries in the attack.

The animal’s owner soon appeared with a muzzle and lead and was ‘in a state of shock’, the 39-year-old claimed.

A woman, known as Ann, rushed the pair to Forest Veterinary Centre in Waltham Road, Woodford Green, where Yoda was transferred to an animal hospital in Epping for surgery on his legs and groin.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Yoda suffered extensive injuries on both legs and his groin.

Wife, Jane Davis, 39, who was returning from her dialysis session when she was informed of the attack, said: “My mum was waiting and she said ‘everyone is ok, but…’ and I just lost it.

“Mum explained that Yoda was at the vets having an operation and Nick was in hospital.

“That tipped me over the edge because Nick never goes to hospital or the GP.

“He says I do enough for both of us with my dialysis so he is happy to leave it with me.

“I was told that Yoda’s left back leg was dangling when Nick picked him up and the dog launched himself at them grabbing onto the leg.

“The force of the dog pushed Nick over and he landed on his knees still holding onto Yoda.

“He wouldn’t let him go.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Owner, Nick Davies, was bitten on the face and hands when he attempted to fight off the animal.

“Two men driving by separately stopped to help and so did a lady called Ann.

“They managed to get the dog off and the owner arrived full of ‘sorry sorry sorry’ and carrying a muzzle in his hand.

“Ann bundled Yoda and Nick in the car and drove straight to the vets.

“Without her help or the two men that stopped this would have ended completely differently.

“We would like the people who helped to come forward so we can thank them in person.

“Nick was left with bite marks, swelling a cuts on his face and hands.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Nick was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital for antibiotics and a Tetanus shot.

“Yoda is still in the vets and has had three operations so far and is not out of the woods.

“He has barely any skin left on his left leg and is down to muscle in some areas.

“We are praying for the best.”

The owner of the large brown dog is described as white, 15 to 16-years-old, 5ft 10, with dark hair and wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.

Metropolitan Police are asking for anyone with information to come forward and contact them on 101.