TWO snarling, stray Alsatians savaged a great-grandma and her tiny bichon frise dog in a terrifying attack.

Hilda Taylor, 76, suffered puncture wounds and a deep cut on her left hand after she was bitten by the animals just yards from her home.

The grandma-of-three was knocked to the floor in the attack that almost killed her 10-year-old pet, Holly.

She bravely tried to fend off the ‘vicious’ dogs as they ‘ragged’ her pet around in Peabody Street, Darwen, almost severing the animal’s jugular vein.

The attack only came to an end when a gym owner saw the attack as he passed in a car and then fought off the animals, which had been roaming the town.

Mrs Taylor, who worked at Newman’s shoe factory in Blackburn for 46 years, said: “When I was knocked to the floor all I could think about was protecting Holly.

“The dogs came out of nowhere and were determined they were going to get her.

“They were noisy, barking, snarling and showing their teeth. Those minutes I was being attacked felt like hours.

“I was on the floor crying and begging for someone to help me. It was like staring death in the face.

“I just couldn’t get them off us, everytime I hit out at them they bit me.

“I honestly thought they would kill Holly and then start on me. It was frightening.”

The attack on the pensioner and her pet only came to an end when a local gym owner caught a glimpse of the attack as he drove along Duckworth Street.

Martin Ainsworth, 31, of Osbourne Street, Darwen, came to Mrs Taylor’s rescue.

He said: “As we drove past Peabody Street I caught a glimpse of something out the corner of my eye.

“I got my friend to pull over and as I started running towards the incident I could hear Hilda crying out for help.

“When I saw what was happening I just couldn’t believe it.

“The dogs were circling Hilda and Holly. They were growling and snarling and at one point they had Holly by the neck and there was blood everywhere.

“Hilda was desperately trying to free Holly, so I started to kick the dogs in the ribs to try and get them to retreat.

“But they were having none of it. I was really hurting my feet kicking the dogs but it didn’t seem to bother them.

“Once we freed Holly I suddenly became really concerned they were going to attack me or Hilda. They were vicious.

“It was only when my girlfriend Shelby got Hilda and Holly indoors and I continued to fight them off that they decided to run off.

“When I saw Hilda and Holly’s injuries, I was so upset, I thought Holly was going to die in her arms there and then.”

Mrs Taylor, of Hindle Court, Darwen said: “Martin is an absolute hero. Without him God knows what would of happened. I bet Holly would have been killed and I would have been badly injured if not killed.

“I don’t know how I will ever repay Martin. He saved our lives.

“The vets have said if Holly’s neck wound had been just 1cm more to the left the dogs would of severed her jugular vein and she would have instantly bled to death.

“I haven’t been out since it happened and when my daughter has taken Holly to the vet she has literally been petrified.

“Her injuries have so far cost me £900 and that is just to start with.

“I just hope who ever let these dog run wild is caught and dealt with by the police.”

Following the attack, the alsations described as vicious, emaciated and unkempt were seized by police as they looked for food near to Darwen’s Library Theatre.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: “At 7pm on Friday police were called to Duckworth Street in Darwen following a report that two Alsatian dogs had attacked an elderly lady and her dog whilst roaming loose in the street.

“Police attended and seized the dogs, who are now being kept in a Lancashire kennel.

“Enquires are still on-going to trace the dogs owners.

“Anyone who knows who the dogs may be long to is urged to call police on 101.”