A MAN who was bitten by an ‘out-of-control’ dog says he is dismayed at the lack of police response.

Joe French, 41, of Clayton- le-Moors, was walking near Whalley Road, Hurst Green, when a pack of Weimaraner dogs circled him, with one biting the back of his leg.

The father-of-three rang the police immediately after the incident, at 4.05pm on Sunday, when the owners of the dogs had left the scene, but was told that no-one could deal with his report at the time.

Mr French walked an hour back to his car, and drove to Clitheroe Police Station, but was told that there was no officer that could deal with the attack at that time.

A police officer finally took a statement from the company director at 9.15pm when they visited his home.

In the meantime, he sought treatment at Accrington Victoria Hospital.

Mr French said: “I was just minding my own business and the dog just bit me out of the blue.

“I can’t believe that the owner would let a dog get out of control like that.

“The police couldn’t send anyone out to help me, and it was hours until a police officer came to hear what I had to say.

“A dog like that should not be out in public because it’s a huge safety risk.

“A lot of kids walk with their families in that area and I would hate for someone else to be attacked in this way.”

A police spokesman said: “Police were contacted by Mr French about reports that he had been bitten by a dog.

“He was advised that there were no patrols available due to other on-going priority incidents, and to seek medical treatment before being visited by an officer.

“Mr French was visited at his home later the same evening, and a crime report has been recorded, with inquires underway in an eff-ort to trace the dog owners.

“Anyone that witnessed this incident, or anyone with any information that could assist police with their inquires, is urged to contact Lancashire Police on 101.”