A BLIND woman has called on the public to have more respect for guide dogs after she was involved in a violent altercation.

The woman was walking with her black Labrador, Penny, in Old Heath Road, Colchester, when the attack happened.

Three-year-old Penny was leading the woman home when she was attacked by a black Staffordshire bull terrier.

The attack forced Penny into the road during the busy school pick-up run.

Luckily, she narrowly avoided serious injury but has been left startled and shaken.

She is now very wary of any dog passing by, which is affecting her work.

Penny’s owner said: “I don’t know if people will understand this but when you rely on her for everything, you will do anything to protect her.

“I have a daughter, who’s in her twenties now, but since Penny came to me, it’s like you become a mum all over again.

“The dog has come across me - Penny is always roadside of me - and gone straight for her.

“She screamed out in pain and in order for her to get out of the way, she has gone into the road at a time I have since found out was really busy because it was 3.20pm and parents were picking up their children from school.”

The woman added: “There were lots of witnesses who have given me some distinctive information on the people with the dog which I have now passed to the police.”

Penny did not need veterinary care but her owner has noted a change in her behaviour and is now noticeably wary around other dogs.

The attack took place at about 3.20pm on June 15, as Penny was returning home with her owner having enjoyed a spell of “free running” in the Old Heath Recreation Ground.

Guide Dog experts recommend their dogs are given a few hours of play time each week.

The woman added: “I would just like to use this incident to remind people to be much more respectful around guide dogs.

“I waited a long time to get Penny and she has completely changed my life.

“Up until she came, I was reliant on a white cane so she has given me my independence back and I will do anything for her.”

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "Officers are appealing for witnesses after a woman was assaulted on Old Heath Road, Colchester on Friday, June 15.

"The victim, aged in her 50s, was walking near to the Bakeoffee café with her guide dog, when her dog was attacked by a black Staffordshire bull terrier.

"The dog was unharmed, but the victim was then assaulted by a man believed to be the owner of the terrier. She is unharmed but, understandably, shaken."

Anyone with information should call Colchester’s Local Policing Team on 101, quoting incident number 897 of 15/06.