A DOG-WALKER has told how he headbutted an attacker and knocked him out after three men tried to steal his pet.


The man was walking his beloved dog on Stockton Lane after setting off from his home in Heworth, when three people got out of a white Transit-style van.


North Yorkshire Police said the dog-walker was about 50 to 100 yards away from the roundabout with the A1036 between 11.30pm on Saturday, November 21 and 12.30am the following morning when the van pulled up alongside him.


He received scratches and swelling to his head and face in the incident, but the dog was not taken.


"I was walking down the side of the road and when I saw it pull up I thought they were going to ask for directions," said the victim, who declined to be named.


"Two of them got out and said 'what a lovely dog', and I felt intimidated straight away.


"They grabbed my arms and another one got hold of the lead, but I headbutted him and knocked him out cold.


"I knew straight away I had to do something.


"I've got a few scratches on my head off where one of them was attacking me with what felt like a knuckle duster or a ring.  When I opened my eyes and saw him trying to throw a punch, that's when I headbutted him.


"They were holding me so I couldn't kick or punch, the only thing I could do was headbutt him.


"It would take more than three of them to get my dog off me."


The other men immediately went to the aid of their friend and dragged him into the van and drove off.


The van is described as having a significant scratch to the metalwork on the passenger side, extending from the side sliding door to the rear tail lights, and blacked-out windows on the back door, which was a hatchback-style lifting upwards rather than sideways.


"If I've asked myself once I've asked myself a thousand times, why did I go down Stockton Lane?" he added.


"The dog is a bit dubious when white vans go past him but still has a lovely temperament."


North Yorkshire Police has released an e-fit of one suspect and is appealing for information.


All three men are described as white, in their late 20s, stocky and with strong Irish accents.


The first suspect was referred to as 'Johnny' or 'Joanie'. He was 5ft 8ins in height, with short cropped dark hair, wearing a dark jacket with a small logo on the left chest  and he may have a head injury sustained in the attack.


The second man was 6ft tall, with short cropped dark hair and wearing a black denim jacket with a light coloured top underneath.


The third was also around 6ft tall and wearing a dark puffer jacket.


Anyone with information about the men should call police on 101 and ask for DC Mike McClarin or the York Serious Crime Team.


Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or e-mail michael.mcclarin@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk and quote reference number 12150207813.