A BRITISH Bulldog has been hailed a hero after foiling a knife-point robbery by protecting its owner during a late-night walk.
Annie Humphreys, 29, was targeted while walking her dog Winnie at King George V Playing Fields on Jubits Lane in Sutton Manor, at around 9.10pm on Tuesday, September 22.
She said the suspect, who was wearing a balaclava and armed with a knife, demanded her phone but fled when Winnie lunged at him.
Annie said: "I was just walking the dog at around 9.10pm last night, she’s a bulldog and doesn’t walk far.
"We were walking in a square path around the playground area.
"As we were there, he has come through that entrance towards me.
"I had my torch on my phone and as he was getting closer, I saw he’s not going wide to go round me.
"I think the dog sensed it before me.
"He lifted his right arm up and had a knife, and said: 'give me your f****** phone.'
"Winnie just shot at him, and gone to bite him and he has just run off.
"I completely froze.
"Winnie sensed it and she had to protect me in that moment."
The suspect fled in the direction of the Chandlers Way estate.
She described him as a white man aged between 19 and 25, around 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in tall, with a local accent.
He was dressed in all black, wearing a balaclava and a North Face tracksuit with a holographic logo.
Recommended Reading
The mother-of-one said she is trying to stay positive despite the shock of the incident, especially after previously experiencing postnatal depression.
She said: "I am really shook up, it is hard not to let it affect you.
"It was really scary, I was shaken up when the police officer came last night.
"The police were absolutely amazing and came out quickly.
"Hopefully they can find him."
Annie has since spoken to people in the community and is considering starting a campaign to raise funds for basic self-defence training in the area.
She added: "I’ve been speaking to some in the area, it is a good community round here.
"I am going to try and turn it into a positive and get awareness out there.
"During school holidays, kids use that area.
"I think people just need to be vigilant."
Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses and any CCTV footage from the area.
Detective Inspector James Rotherham said: "This was a frightening incident that happened in our community overnight.
"Although the victim was unharmed, she was left very distressed after what happened.
"The use of knives and any weapons is reckless and will not be tolerated on our streets.
"They can have tragic consequences for anyone involved and an investigation is underway to find the suspect.
"If you were on King George V Playing Fields and saw what happened or live in the area and have any CCTV footage that captured the suspect, please contact us.
"Any information you hold could be vital to our enquiries."
- Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or online at merseyside.police.uk.
- Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Share