A HOUSEWIFE'S pet dog was hailed a hero today after he saved his mistress from a sex fiend.

Detectives believe the man they are hunting may still be scarred as a result of the mauling from the 15-stone dog.

They believe the huge dog prevented a brutal attack on the 40-year-old woman, who asked not to be named.

She was walking along a moorland road off Georges Lane, Horwich, when she was attacked at 8pm on Saturday. The attacker may not have seen the powerful dog and another dog which were both running free off their leads.

The thug hit the dog owner over the back of her head and she fell face-down.

Police believe the attacker fled when he spotted one of the dogs approaching. They have been told that the dog licked his mistress's face before chasing after into bushes after the attacker. Seconds later as the woman tried to pull herself to her feet she heard a man's scream. The woman told police he sounded to be "in agony."

The dog then returned to the woman's side.

The woman, who made her way home to contact the police, suffered a nasty head injury but did not need hospital treatment.

Det Sgt Andy Higham of Horwich CID said nothing was stolen from the victim.

But he added: "The man's intention possibly was not theft on this occasion. It appears her pet in all probability prevented her from being subjected to a far more serious offence." Anyone who may have information, or who may know someone with an unexplained dog bite, is asked to contact Horwich CID, 0161 856 5785 or Crimestoppers detectives on the free phone number 0800 555 111.

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