A DOG and its owners have been brutally attacked by a wild boar in Gloucestershire and police are urging pet owners to be cautious of the wild animals.

On March 29 at 2pm a couple were walking their springer spaniel along a footpath in the woods on Ayleburton Common which is part of the Lydney Park Estate.

Without warning a wild boar charged from the undergrowth and attacked the dog who was left with a broken leg and other severe injuries. 

The boar left the dog for dead and then tried to attack the woman.  The woman's husband managed to prevent the boar charging using the branch of a tree.

The gamekeeper on the estate has been informed and he believes there is a female boar with a young family on the estate which may explain the violent behaviour. 

Gloucestershire Police are advising all walkers to take care when walking on the estate - and in wooded areas generally -and to ensure their dogs are kept well under control.