The heartbroken owner of a small cavapoo has appealed for witnesses after it was blinded in one eye in a savage attack by an aggressive XL American bulldog.

The attack happened near the Sheen Gate carpark in Richmond Park on Wednesday at around 2:45pm and the owners of the bulldog, a couple with a baby in a buggy, left the scene without leaving any details.

The Royal Parks police are involved in the investigation amid fears the bulldog, which knocked over an elderly main during the shocking incident, may attack again.

The owner has posted an appeal for help on social media under the heading 'Violent Dog Attack'.

She said: "Our lovely small dog Clive was attacked unprovoked by a large and aggressive, what's thought to be a XL Bully, and he's been injured so badly that he had to have emergency surgery to remove his eye and is lucky to be alive."

She added: "The owners – of the bulldog – offered no apology, refused to leave any details and just walked away when our dog was screaming in pain and bleeding heavily.

"My poor dog has been injured so badly … I'd like to emphasise that the owners of the bull breed dog that attacked my dog showed no remorse and offered no apology. The man unbelievably said 'that's what dogs do.'

The owner has posted an appeal for help on social media under the heading 'Violent Dog Attack'.

"I'm absolutely disgusted by the behaviour or these people and heartbroken for the pain and distress that has been caused to my innocent and loving boy."

The cavapoo was being walked in the park by the owner's parents. She said: "They walked away from the attack without providing assistance, stating 'that's just what dogs do'."

Asking for help, she said: "This dangerous animal cannot be allowed to continue to visit Richmond Park and put other dogs and their owners at risk. We need help to stop this dangerous dog from attacking another dog or a person."

The owners were described as a male, approximately 30 years old, mixed race, short hair, stubbly beard. Average build approximately 5'10. He was wearing a black hooded jacket and jeans.

The woman was around 30 years old, white with dark/long hair in a pony tail. Average build and approximately 5'6. She was wearing a dark coat/grey coat and leggings.

Any information can be provided via the email [email protected] or to the Royal Parks police on 07920 586546 quoting crime reference number 0702865/23.