A man picked up a dog by the neck and threatened to kill it before attacking it's owner at a Stockport park.
Police have launched a manhunt - and have stepped up patrols in and around Reddish Vale Country Park following the unprovoked assault on Sunday afternoon.
The victim was walking his dog at the beauty spot around 2.45pm when he was approached by a man, who grabbed his pet by the neck.
He threatened to kill the the animal and its owner.
Police say a 'short altercation' followed, during which the dog walker suffered facial injuries.
The alarm was raised and emergency services attended.
An ambulance was later seen parked on nearby Woodstock Green. The victim did not need hospital treatment.
GMP described his injuries as 'minor'.
The dog was not hurt.
A number of people were said to have been in the area at the time. Detectives have issued a description of the attacker in the hope someone may come forward with information.
They say he was white, around 6ft and of a small build. He had short 'mousey brown' hair.
The man was wearing dark clothing and his appearance was 'unkempt'.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough, from GMP’s Stockport division, said: “This was an unprovoked attack which could have had serious consequences.
"Thankfully, the victim’s injuries were minor and the dog was unharmed.
“I understand that incidents of this nature are a cause for concern but I would like to use this opportunity to reassure members of the public that enquiries are ongoing and officers are carrying out extra patrols.
“We are aware that there were several members of the public in the area at the time who witnessed the incident and aftermath, I appeal to them or anyone else with information which may assist us to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to police on 0161 856 9616 or 0161 856 9790 quoting incident 1574 of May 24; or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
