Updated: MEET Odin, a Staffordshire bull terrier who came to the rescue when armed robbers tried to attack his York master.

The loyal two-year-old dog bit one of the robbers on the arm after the assailant had pushed his owner to the ground and was preparing to kick him, while another robber had pulled out a knife.

The owner said: “I had gone to take him out for a walk when a woman came up to ask for a light. A man then pushed me to the ground and was about to put the boot in when Odin bit his arm. The man was screaming.

“Of course, they don’t let go when they bite, but the man got away when the arm of his jacket tore.

“I hit the other robber with Odin’s lead and they ran away without anything.

“I bought him a nice steak for dinner the next day as a reward.”

The man stressed that Odin – named after the Viking God associated with wisdom and battle – had only attacked the robber because he had seen him attacking his master, and was not a danger to other people. “He’s as good as gold,” he said.

Police in York are appealing for witnesses after the attempted robbery, which happened at about 8pm on Saturday in Pateley Place, Acomb, when a woman and man approached the man, who is in his early 60s.

A police spokesman said the woman brandished a knife and demanded the victim hand over his money and mobile telephone, but the couple eventually left empty-handed and fled towards Sowerby Road.

The spokesman said: “The woman is described as being about 30 years old, white, approximately 5ft 3ins tall with a thin build and blonde hair.

“The man is aged in his mid 20s, white and approximately 5ft 9ins tall. At the time he was wearing a dark sweatshirt and jeans.”

Detective Constable Mo Mohammed, of York CID, said that as the robber screamed when bitten, he was sure someone would have heard him and any witness was urged to contact police as soon as possible.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who knows a man who has recently suffered a dog bite to his arm or may have treated the injuries for him.”

• Anyone able to help should phone DC Mo Mohammed on 0845 6060247 quoting reference 12110048287, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.