A DOG killed a pet terrier and savaged its owner in a terrifying attack in a park.

Police are now hunting for the animal and its owner after Paul Miller’s three-year-old pet dog was killed. Mr Miller, aged 50, of Breightmet, was bitten on his hand as he tried to save his dog.

He says he is now having flashbacks. He said: “It was awful. Scamp was only small. He was lovely.

It was heartbreaking to see it.”

Mr Miller was taking Scamp out for his tea-timewalk in the park behind Toronto Street, Breightmet, at 4pm on Saturday.

A large dog — described as a large bull mastiff or Staffordshire bull terrier type cross-breed, with brindle and white patches — then ran out from behind some bins. It was not on a lead.

“It came from behind me. I didn’t see it and it just got hold of Scamp,” said Mr Miller.

The dog clamped on to Scamp’s back legs as Mr Miller frantically tried to free him by hitting the dog.

A passer-by also tried to help by hitting the animal with a stick, but it had no effect.

“It just locked on him. It only let go when it had killed him,” said Mr Miller.

“Then it bit me on the hand and ran off.”

Mr Miller has now buried Scamp, who was a terrier cross with black and grey patches, in his back garden.

“I’m having flashbacks. I keep waking up and thinking my dog is still with me because he used to sleep with me.

“I called out for him when I woke up this morning. I just forgot myself.”

He added: “I want to appeal to anybody who thinks they have seen this dog to call the police. It’s a danger. It has to be put down.

“The point is it was off it’s lead. It was a massive dog. It was too big for me even, let alone Scamp.”

Mr Miller’s girlfriend, Elaine Settle, aged 54, said: “I am so upset. That dog needs to be put down. It’s dangerous.” The attack was witnessed by several people, including children.

Witnesses say the owner of the dog walked towards Crompton Avenue.

He is described as a white man aged between 40 and 50.

Sgt John Boyce, of the Bolton East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a particularly savage attack by a large dog.

“These playing fields are used by children and we wish to ensure public safety from such animals and need to trace the dog and owner.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5761 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111