IPSWICH: A terrified dog owner today told of her horror when her beloved pet was savaged by another dog.

Carol List described hearing a growl then a scream before turning around to see her four-year-old Jack Russell, Alfie, in the jaws of a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Ms List, of Buckfast Close, Ipswich, was about to walk Alfie with her partner Paul Webb in Bourne Park at around 2.30pm on Thursday.

The couple had just got Alfie out of their car on his lead when the other dog attacked.

Ms Last said: “I saw a couple sitting on a bench with this dog sitting by their side. I didn’t think anything of it.

“I suddenly heard a growl and a scream and turned around to see this dog hanging off Alfie.

“Alfie was screaming, he wouldn’t let anyone near him. He bit both me and my partner as we were trying to get the other dog off him because he was terrified.

“It was horrendous. It must have only been a few seconds but it felt like forever. It could have been a child.”

Alfie was rushed to the vets, where he has undergone an operation, costing around �170, to a “nasty, deep flesh wound” to the back of his neck and across his shoulder.

Despite the vicious attack, Ms List claims that initially she received no help from the authorities.

But later both police and council moved to initiate a detailed investigation

The 42-year-old, who works in insurance, said she is now nervous about walking Alfie again, and afraid of other dogs approaching them.

Ms List said: “How do I know that this dog is not going to be out in the park off its lead again? I am scared of it going for me or Alfie again.

“Alfie is just sitting shaking. He jumps every time anyone goes near him.”

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: “We understand that this was an upsetting incident for Ms List and her dog. This was clearly very frightening and the law is clear that dog owners are responsible for their pets. An investigation will be carried out and Suffolk police will work with the local council and dog wardens.

A spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council added: “We were very upset to learn of this incident and have reported it to the police.

“There are strict park by-laws about keeping dogs under control and our parks patrol staff will be vigilant in this area of the park.”

n Have you been through a similar ordeal? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.