A DOG owner has told how he was struck in the face with an iron during a row over growling dogs.

Police were called to Corry Court, off Hickory Avenue, Greenstead, in Colchester, after the argument exploded into violence.

Victim Paul Waring, 40, from Greenstead, suffered a suspected broken nose and cheekbone in the incident and had to go to hospital.

Mr Waring was walking his Staffordshire bull terrier, Nelson, when a brown Chow Chow dog came around the corner.

He said: “I walk my dog there every day. Both dogs were off their leads.

“His dog came around the corner and they began sniffing and growling, then things got rougher.

“He kicked my dog as they were getting aggressive.

“I pulled my dog back, then the other dog’s owner punched me in the face.”

Mr Waring said: “He called for his dog which was also called Nelson. He was saying: ‘I am going to kill you. I am going to execute you’.

“He went into a flat and came back out.

“I thought he was holding a knife because it was shiny, but it was an iron.”

Mr Waring said he was smashed in the face with the iron.

He continued: “I walk my dog to relax but I can’t now.

“There are lots of vulnerable old men and women who walk dogs there and he could do anything.

“I shake when I think about it.

“Who goes to grab an iron and attack someone?

“I didn’t know what he was going to do, although I knew he wasn’t coming to iron my clothes.”

The suspect is white, 6ft 2ins tall, of slim build with short black hair. He is believed to live locally.

The assault happened at about 11am on Tuesday, February 3.

Anyone with information can call Det Con Claire Jennings at Colchester CID, on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.