A WOMAN left with a broken finger after trying to protect her dog from a bull terrier is angry after being told no-one will be prosecuted over the attack.

Beverley Carroll has been told by police that there is a lack of evidence to hold anyone to account over the incident.

The 53-year-old was walking her two dogs on Chingford Plain when her terrier was attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier.

As she went to defend her pet, which escaped with minor injuries, the bull terrier attacked her, biting her so hard he disloacted and fractured her finger.

Although the attack happened in September, she said she has just been told the Crown Prosecution Service has decided to drop the case.

The police have not revealed whether the dog in question has been put down, but have confirmed no action will be taken against its owner, who was not present at the time of the attack.

Mrs Carroll, of Dale View Avenue in Chingford, said: “The dog ran at mine and picked him up in his mouth and tried to shake him to death.

“My hand was crushed when I tried to separate them and my finger was broken and dislocated. I think the damage is permanent.

“My dog was taken to the vet immediately and given painkillers. He is a terrier, and has a very thick coat and very thick skin, so he was OK.

“I am told they can’t proceed because my dog wasn’t sufficiently injured.

“I was defending my dog, but they are saying I may have provoked the dog.”

Mrs Carroll, who works at Highams Park School, was off work for three months following the traumatic experience.

She has recently returned to work after undergoing physiotherapy.

The latest attack is the latest in a long line of similar incidents in the borough and the authorities have pledged to come down hard on irresponsible dog owners.

A police spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that this incident did take place but due to insufficient evidence the Crown Prosecution Service decided that this case could not be proceeded with."

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