A PENSIONER whose pet dog was killed in a savage attack by a bull terrier has slammed a decision not to prosecute a youth following the incident.

Andrew Czocher, 83, who lives in the Peel area of Accrington, was devastated when his sheepdog Sheba died after it was attacked by the terrier in Stanley Street.

Mr Czocher was left bruised and bleeding when he tried to drag the terrier off nine-year-old Sheba.

A 16-year-old youth from Accrington was quizzed by police following the November incident but the Crown Prosecution Service has decided not to charge him.

Mr Czocher said: "It's not fair. I think it's wrong that no one has been caught after what happened.

"I was hurt too, because I fell over trying to get the other dog off Sheba. I banged my head and my legs, and my knees still hurt now.

"How would you feel? Sheba was my best friend and he understood everything I said. I'm very angry."

Friends, neighbours and parishioners at St Anne's RC Church, Cobham Road, rallied round with cards and gifts for Mr Czocher, who lives on his own.

And he now has a new companion - a two-year-old sheepdog called Spring - which was given to him at Christmas.

Inspector Stephen Lee of Accrington Police said: "Once we had interviewed all the witnesses, there was no evidence to suggest the dog didn't just slip its lead, rather than being set on Mr Czocher's dog.

"The CPS has said there isn't enough evidence to bring a prosecution and I accept that decision."

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