A BLIND woman says she is too afraid to leave her home after her guide dog was set on by a Staffordshire bull terrier type breed in Norris Green.

Police are now trying to trace the attack dog after the incident which took place on Monday afternoon (January 12).

"At around 2.05pm, a report was received that a 55-year-old woman, who is registered blind, had been walking close to Scargreen Avenue with her guide dog a short time earlier," said a Merseyside Police statement.

The dog, a two-year-old Labrador/Retriever cross called Ushi, is then believed to have been attacked by the black Staffs-type dog.

Ushi suffered injuries to her ribs and ears and escaped a possible worse fate only after onlookers intervened and hauled the dog off. Ushi is now recovering at the owner's home.

Her owner, said: “Having only very recently qualified with my first guide dog, I am devastated about the attack on Ushi.  Since the attack, I have been unable to go out of the house independently with Ushi as I am so frightened that this might happen again. 

"I am so grateful to the workmen and neighbours who put themselves in danger to help me - without them dragging the dog off Ushi, things could have been much worse”.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Norris Green Sandra Capkan, said: "Ushi is a true lifeline for her owner which she can't live without and she is very upset that her guide dog has been attacked and injured.

“We are now carrying out enquiries to establish the identity of the dog involved and whether or not any offences have been committed.

"I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident, however small, to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Penny Williams, Engagement Officer, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: “We are working together with Merseyside Police to ensure that the guide dog owner and Ushi are supported and to achieve the best possible outcomes for the future of this very new partnership. 

" We are keen to try and prevent this from occurring again, as attacks on guide dogs can have devastating effects on the safety and wellbeing of a partnership.”

Patrols attended at the scene and house-to-house inquiries have been carried out in the area.  

People can call officers on the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference 0515007449 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.