A man was hospitalised after being beaten by three men who tried to steal his dog in Dunmow on Saturday morning (February 27).

The man, in his 50s, was walking his golden retriever dog along the pathway behind St Mary’s Church at around 9.15am, when three men appeared and one of them slipped a rope around the dog’s neck.

The assailants tried to drag the dog into a small dark grey van, which was parked nearby, and as the man fought to free his pet, he was punched, kicked and beaten with branches by the three men.

The victim managed to get away with his dog, but did require hospital treatment for injuries to his face and jaw.

The suspects were described as having Irish accents and were all in their mid 20s to early 30s.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: “Police are investigating after a man was assaulted as he was walking his dog behind St Mary’s Church in Dunmow.

“It is understood that three men tried to steal the dog, and as he went to stop them, he was punched and kicked in the face. The victim managed to get away with his dog.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101.”