A dog walker was threatened with a gun and viciously attacked by three men on Wanstead Flats, after his hound had been mauled by their Staffordshire bull terrier.

Police are appealing for witnesses of the brutal assault on Saturday, which left the male victim, who is in his 50s, requiring hospital treatment for his injuries.

The attack happened at about 5pm as the victim was walking near Jubilee Pond, off Dames Road, on the south side of the Flats.

His dog was attacked by the black Staffie, which had grey hair around its mouth.

The victim separated the dogs and challenged the owner of the Staff about its behaviour.

Two of the owner’s friends arrived, and the three began a brutal assault on the victim – punching and kicking him to the ground.

The victim pulled himself up off the floor and bravely followed his attackers and they left the park, shouting that he would call the police.

This was when one of the men pulled out a gun and threatened to kill him if he spoke to police.

The assailants casually walked off towards Ramsey Road.

All three are described as black men.

The first is thought to be in his 30s and wore a white t-shirt with grey sleeves, jeans and white trainers.

The second suspect was reportedly in his 20s, and was wearing a dark grey tracksuit top and bottoms, white trainers and was carrying a bottle of water.

He also had headphones on.

The third attacker was around 20-years-old and wore a black long sleeve top with a white logo, dark bottoms and white trainers.

Det Con Sam Carey is leading the investigation and called for any witnesses to come forward.

“This was a shocking attack carried out in broad daylight in an area that is frequently used by dog walkers, cyclists and families.

“I would ask anyone who was in the Flats around Jubilee Pond at the time of the assault and saw anything to contact police.”

Anyone with information can call Det Con Carey on 020 8345 2724 or police via 101. You can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.