The victim was walking his dog along Station Road, Hadfield, when he was challenged by the offender who told him the animal was not under control.

After a brief verbal altercation, the offender took out a tin of dog food from a carrier bag and struck the victim repeatedly to the face and head.

The 48-year-old victim needed several stitches to a cut on his face and staples to a gash on his head.

The offender was white, about 6ft tall, of stocky build and aged between 25 and 30. He had short, blond hair and a beard at the time.

He was wearing a white shirt with blue or red pinstripes, dark jeans and dark canvas shoes with white soles.

He was also wearing a red pair of Beats by Dre headphones.