Dog walker seriously injured in machete attack dog theft attempt in Leicester park

A man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after an alleged dog theft attempt in a Leicester park. East Midlands Dog Rescue (EMDR) said the victim, a volunteer, was walking their four little terriers on Castle Hill Park when he was attacked with a machete on Friday morning (April 12).

The group said the volunteer, who is now awaiting surgery, sustained severe injuries to his arms and two broken fingers after being “hit over the head, kicked and punched”. This incident, they said, was not the first as a similar situation was reported by a lone female dog walker recently.

In a Facebook post, EMDR said: “Miraculously he held onto the dogs, who at this point were covered in their owners blood. A similar situation was reported by a lone female dog walker a couple of weeks ago who managed to get help from a nearby house. Police obviously aware but members of the public please be vigilant. Dog thieves are prepared to attack to get what they want.”

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating a report of a robbery in Astill Park Road, Leicester. The incident was reported at 9.30am this morning (Friday 12 April) after a man was approached by a woman who attempted to grab the leads of the four dogs he was walking.

“A man joined the woman who also attempted to steal the dogs. The man produced a bladed weapon, and the victim sustained a slash wound to his hand which required hospital treatment.

“The couple made off empty handed as the victim called the police. Officers attended the area, but the suspects were not traced. Enquiries are ongoing into the incident and anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting 24*213154.”