A DOG was stabbed to death in an horrific attack in a Burnley supermarket car park.

Police said the dog, a pitbull cross breed called Biggie, was stabbed in the neck after it bit two men who were arguing with its owner.

Witnesses said it was stabbed 17 times.

The two men were bitten by the dog and taken to hospital, but the animal suffered serious injuries and died at a local veterinary surgery.

A number of people witnessed the horrific scenes on the Lidl supermarket car park, in Colne Road near Duke Bar.

Since the incident, almost 1,500 people have joined a Facebook group called Justice for the Poor Dog in an attempt to clear the animal of any blame.

Around 80 people have confirmed plans to attend a memorial for the dog, which will take place at the scene of its death, at 8.30pm on Saturday.

A police spokesman said: “Numerous calls were received reporting a man with a large knife stabbing a dog.

“A man and his dog are believed to have been involved in altercation with two other men.

"The dog has attacked the two men and has subsequently been stabbed.

“Patrols attended and found a badly injured dog which had been stabbed in the neck.

"An area search led to the recovery of a blood stained knife and a pair of scissors.

"There was also damage to a shop window."

Police said a 20-year-old man suffered injuries to his leg after being bitten by the dog and an 18-year-old man sustained arm, leg and chest injuries in the attack.

Both were taken to Burnley General Hospital, but the 18-year-old was transferred to Royal Blackburn Hospital, and has since been discharged.

Police said an investigation was still taking place and that the RSPCA would be informed if there was evidence of animal cruelty.

Lee Dillon, who lives near the supermarket and runs a pets advice group on Facebook, is the chief organiser of the online campaign.

He said: “My friend saw the latter part of what happened and told me about it and I set up the group on Facebook.

“This poor dog bore the brunt of a childish battle.

“If they wanted to fight then that was up to them, but they didn’t have to take an innocent dog with them.

“I didn’t know the dog, but I think it was only about four years old.”

Following the incident a 22-year-old man from Burnley was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and affray, and has been released on police bail until January 13.

A 20-year-old man from Burnley was arrested on suspicion of affray and has been released on police bail until January 12.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has been released on police bail until January 13.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Lancashire police on 08451 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.