POLICE in Chester are appealing following the attempted robbery of a dog in Blacon.

Officers have issued the appeal after receiving reports at 8pm on Tuesday, October 30 of the attempted robbery on Stamford Road, Blacon.

The incident occurred just before 7pm, when a man in a balaclava got out of a car and attempted to steal shih tzu Benji.

The owner - Paul Valentine - refused to let go of the lead, and following a scuffle, the offender fled empty-handed.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting IML 227114. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Paul's wife Anne said: "We are hoping the police will see if anyone on Leaside road has CCTV.

"We are just thankful that it wasn’t worse. The man bit Paul and he had to go the hospital.

"We just want people to be vigilant when walking dogs. It could have been a child as it was at 6.45pm."