A FAMILY pet was subjected to a vicious attack being walked in a Southend park.

Natasha Howe has spoken of her horror after her beloved Chihuahua Chica was attacked by another dog in Priory Park.

The other dog, understood to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, grabbed Chica by the neck and started thrashing her about.

Ms Howe, who lives in Southend, said: “The dog just ran at Chica and grabbed her, and wouldn’t let go.

“He grabbed the back of her neck and was shaking her.

“People were rushing over trying to get it to let go, but the jaws of Staffies lock when they grab something, so we couldn’t.

“All this time my mum was just screaming. We have never had any issues walking in the park before, nothing like this.”

Chica, who is 14 years old, has been treated for six puncture wounds on her neck.

Ms Howe said her mum, Jackie Howe, has been walking in the park for 33 years and never had any issues.

She claims the walkers of the Staffie were not in control of the dog whilst they were walking in the park.

She added: “It wasn’t on a lead, they couldn’t control it.

“That dog is clearly very dangerous.”

Essex Police are investigating the incident which happened on Monday.

A spokesman said: “We were called on Monday March 9 with reports that a Chihuahua dog has been seriously injured in Priory Park, Southend.

“It was said that a dog, described as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, attacked the Chihuahua in Priory Park.

“It was reported that the dog was not on a lead.

“The Chihuahua has been treated for its injuries.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

No arrests have been made in connection with the attack.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.