A SAVAGE attack by two out of control dogs has left a family pet fighting for its life.

A witness said the dangerous Mastiffs escaped from their owners’ home and tried to attack an elderly woman in her front garden.

It is claimed the woman managed to escape but the bloodthirsty dogs then turned their attention to a pair of Whippets being walked by a woman in Russell Road, Chingford.

A witness, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said the animals ripped off flesh as they mauled the pets.

One of the Whippets escaped serious injury, but the other is in a critical condition.

The witness called the police but was told officers were too busy dealing with knife crime.

The witness said: "It was horrific.There was blood everywhere.

"One of the Mastiffs was licking flesh off the floor.

"It happened in front of a crowd of children. About four of us tried to grab the dogs.

"These dogs are for protection and guarding, they're not pets. The owners couldn't control them.

"These animals are going to kill someone. As soon as they saw another animal they just attacked.

"Me and my wife phoned the police and they said it wasn't important. I said 'what happens when it attacks a child?'. Are they waiting until someone is killed?"

He added dog walkers are too scared to take their pets out for a walk in Russell Road since the attack on June 8.

The attack comes days after the police pledged to clampdown on dangerous dog owners.

Five people every week are now being treated for dog bites at Whipps Cross University Hospital.

A total of 258 such patients were admitted in 2008/09, compared to 253 in 2008/07 and 216 in 2006/07.