A MAN who was savaged by a dog has spent three days in hospital and needs reconstructive surgery.

The victim had knelt down to stroke a "large" Staffordshire Bull Terrier when it lunged at him, ripping off half his left ear.

With blood gushing the victim claims he asked the dog's owner to call an ambulance but instead he "carried on walking".

The 54-year-old victim had been mowing a grass verge outside his house on Ellis Road.

He had seen the dog off its lead along with its owner and a young child approaching at around 5pm on Sunday.

According to the Thornhill resident who wishes to remain unnamed he asked the owner if the dog was "ok" to pet - who responded "yes".

Police have described the owner of the dog as white, around 60-years-old, of medium build, with medium-length brown hair and with a greying brown beard.

While the dog has been described as a large blue to grey coloured Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

It is believed to be an older dog as it was slightly grey in the face.

The victim said: "My neighbour came rushing out and phoned an ambulance a paramedic came out and dressed the wound, then my neighbour drove me to hospital.

"I need to have my ear reconstructed and go back to hospital to get it put right. I have lost half of my ear. It could have been a lot worse. The dog could have taken a child's face off.

"The chap walked off. He has no regard for an injured person. I hope he is caught so it does not happen again."

A police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for information about the owner of a dog after a man was attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier."

Anyone with any information that could help the police with their investigation is urged to call 101 and quote 44190274885.