Bailey had to be put down following the alleged attack (Image: UGC)

       A dog owner was left heartbroken after he had to put his dog down following an alleged dog attack.

       Five-year-old Bailey was attacked by a group of Pitbull-type dogs on Sunday afternoon whilst at the beach at Blackhall Rocks, near Hartlepool.

       Teeside Live reports that the owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told of how Bailey was "mauled" in the attack at the place they walk nearly every single day.

       Her owner described her as a "gentle harmless soul" who "didn't even growl" as the group attacked.

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       The owner said she was injured in the attack as well (Image: UGC)

       Recalling the attack the owner said: "She was a few metres in front of me sniffing in the grass when out of nowhere one dog, the main aggressor, just appeared darting towards her.

       "I jumped on top but three had her in their mouths at different angles on her body. I was putting my hands in their mouths so that they would release her and that's how I got bites on my hands but I also got bitten on the back of my arm.

       "I was screaming and the lad and lass owners ran over and jumped on the dogs but by that point, I had managed to get them off.

       "I had her in my arms and the dogs were still going crazy jumping up at me biting at her and they were shouting at the dogs."

       Durham police said they have launched an investigation (Image: UGC)

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       The owner said she was too "in shock" to get the other dog owner's details and took Bailey to the emergency vet who said the injuries were "worse than expected".

       Bailey had suffered a broken rib and needed surgery but the owner couldn't afford the expensive bill so "had no choice but to put her down".

       A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "Police were called at 6pm yesterday after a dog was attacked by several other dogs at Blackhall Rocks. The cocker spaniel was being walked on the beach when it was attacked by five other Pitbull-type dogs, which were off their leads.

       "Tragically, the spaniel had to be put to sleep as a result of its injuries. Police have now launched an investigation into the incident and enquiries are ongoing."

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