A Swiss Cottage pensioner has warned dog owners and parents of small children to be on their guard after his border terrier had its back “torn apart” during a vicious mauling by another animal.

Edward Brooks, 85, says he was left in “complete shock” as a staffordshire bull terrier launched a frenzied attack on him and his dog while the pair walked up Fairhazel Gardens in Swiss Cottage on Saturday morning.

The assault left his elderly dog Dido in a pool of blood with its back gaping wide open.

Mr Brooks, of nearby Canfield Gardens, says the light brown bull terrier was off the lead when it launched the attack and the owner, said to be about 50 years old, ran away when he was asked for his details.

Mr Brooks says he is worried the out-of-control dog’s next victim could be a child.

He told the Ham&High: “I keep reliving the whole shocking incident, seeing this rabid-looking dog running around the corner at us.

“It jumped up on me before it ripped open my dog’s back. I tried my best to drag her away, but Dido was left needing stitches.

“I’m 85 and it has left me in complete shock to the point where I’m not sleeping properly.

“My dog is quite old and won’t go back out to where the attack happened. She has also stopped eating.

“I just can’t believe there are still dogs like these in London.

“The next attack could easily be on a small child.

“That owner is completely irresponsible. I’m not worried about the vet costs I’ve incurred, but people need to be warned that this dog is on the loose in the area.

“This owner shouldn’t be allowed to keep dogs.”

More than 200,000 people a year are estimated to be bitten by dogs in England, with the annual cost to the NHS of treating injuries reaching about £3million.

Despite enjoying a reputation of being friendly and loyal to humans, there have been a number of reports of Staffordshire bull terriers attacking children and pets.

Mr Brooks says he has reported the incident to the police but officers appear to have shown “a complete lack of interest” and no one had been sent to investigate.

“I’m quite surprised by the lack of action by the police,” he said.

“The next time, we might not be talking about a dog needing stitches, but a baby being killed.”