Woman kicked in ribs and face trying to protect pet from attempted dog napping incident in West Yorkshire park

A woman was kicked and punched in her ribs and face while she tried to protect her pet from an attempted dog napping incident in a West Yorkshire park.

Police in Bradford are appealing for witnesses after the attempted robbery in Wibsey Park, Bradford on Tuesday 30 March.

A woman in her 30s was walking her Shitzu dog in the park at around 9.30pm. She was near the Becon Road entrance to the park, when she was approached from behind by three men, police said.

One of the suspects shouted at the woman for to hand over her dog.

The victim reached down to protect her dog and was assaulted by one of the suspects, who kicked and punched her in the ribs and face.

Thankfully, the victim managed to flee the scene and run home; she was shaken by the incident and suffered “a lot” of bruising, police said.

The suspects are described as male with English accents, with heights estimated to be around 5ft 7”.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any further information is asked to contact the police via 101, quoting crime reference number 13210158572 or online.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title, the Yorkshire Evening Post