A PUBLIC meeting to address the issue of dangerous dogs is to be held this week.

The meeting was called after a Chingford woman was attacked by a dog near Larkshall Road.

Shelley Bowen, 41, of Normanshire Drive, lost her entire left thumb during the attack, as she walked her own dog on October 23.

She said the animal ran towards her and her Alsatian, Sid, and ripped off her thumb as she tried to separate them.

Mrs Bowen has stated she feels the police have not done enough following the attack and the meeting is to be held in order to allow local residents to speak to officers.

Sharon Matyk, a friend and neighbour of Mrs Bowen, organised the meeting as concerns mounted over dangerous dogs in the area.

She said: “We leafleted at the weekend around the whole area.

“Our best approach to changing the Metropolitan Police's position is to remain objective and to relate facts more than emotions.”

She has also said residents feel 'let down' after no action was taken against the owners of the dog alleged to have bitten Mrs Bowen.

The meeting will be held at St Anne's Church, in Larkshall Road, at 2pm on Wednesday and both the officers from the Larkswood Safer Neighbourhoods Team and local residents are set to attend.

Police have already stated they conducted a full investigation and said it was not possible to tell which dog had bitten Mrs Bowen, although witnesses have disputed this.

Waltham Forest Police borough commander Mark Benbow said: "We accept that Shelley Bowen has undergone a very traumatic experience.

"We appreciate that this is a difficult time for her and her family.

"We are currently reviewing the investigation and we will discuss the outcome firstly with Shelley and her family before making any further comments.

"Police will attend the meeting on Wednesday 4th November 2009 to discuss the issues raised."