A DOG, which attacked a cherished pet poodle and its owner, is believed to have struck again.

And police today said they were urgently trying to trace the owner of the alsatian and warned the dog may have to be put down.

The latest victim is a 14-year-old cross breed called Pippa who was out with its owner on the tow path behind Asda near the Waters Edge housing estate, Blackburn, when the attack occurred.

The dog's side had to be stapled by a veterinary surgeon to stop the gaping wound bleeding.

This incident occurred less than a mile from the first attack in the centre of Blackburn last week where a deaf poodle and its owner, John Vaughan, were bitten.

Christine Hunt, 48, of Merchants Landing, Blackburn, was horrified when her husband Paul returned from an evening stroll with injured Pippa.

She said: "The man was clearly incapable of controlling his dog if it can do this and now we are so concerned that the next attack will be a small child.

"The dog just went for Pippa and literally dragged the man along the canal because he could not control it."

Mr Vaughan, who owns Record Exchange in Blackburn, said; "The man obviously had no control over his dog and it would be horrendous if next time it was a small child.

"I thought the alsatian was going to rip him to pieces, he was shaking him from side to side."

PC Andy Maltman, of Blackburn Police, said if magistrates found the dog to be out of control, an order would be made to keep the animal with a muzzle, have special training or put it down.

PC Maltman said: "We are following the line of enquiry that it is the same dog.

"If it is, then I would be looking for the dog to be destroyed as soon as possible as it is dangerous and has to be taken off the streets."

Police are keen for anyone who may have encountered a similar incident or believe they may be able to identify the owner to call 01254 51212.