Police release description of dog owner after beloved pet mauled to death in Hartlepool

Yorkshire terrier Jack, aged 24, was thought to be one of the oldest dogs in the country, and was due to go on a walk at Hartlepool Marina with owner Ray Bunn when another dog launched an unprovoked attack causing fatal injuries.

Jack was owned by Ray and Mary Bunn, 66, of Appleby Grove, having first been taken in by the couple 16 years ago after their daughter spotted him being tied to a tree and left there.

In December last year, the Mail reported that according to the record books, Jack could be one of the oldest dogs ever to have lived.

The Guinness Book of Records lists an Australian cattle-dog named Bluey as the oldest-ever dog, at 29 years and five months.

Jack would be eighth on the all-time list if his age was proven by the Guinness Book of Records.

Police are calling on anyone with information surrounding Jack's death to come forward.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Police are appealing for information after a dog was killed by another dog at Hartlepool Marina (Basin Area) yesterday (Monday, August 1) at 9am.

"The dog that sadly died was a Yorkshire Terrier called Jack who was 24 years old.

"The other dog involved was a black Lakeland Terrier.

"The owner is described as a white male, between 5 ft 3” and 5 ft 5” tall, of stocky build with thinning dark hair. The man was also wearing a pair of shorts which showed off his tattoos on both legs and a pair of Wellington boots.

"Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact PC Mick Johnson on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org."