A woman says she watched in horror as a dog sank its teeth into her Yorkshire terrier's throat and shook it like a rag doll.

The tiny animal survived, but had staples placed in its neck after the attack in a street by a bull mastiff dog.

The attack happened at about 11pm, last Thursday, in Eyres Monsell, Leicester.

The injured animal's owner, 70-year-old Josephine Smith, said she feared her four-year-old pet Jenna would die as she watched her choking by the side of the road.

She said the bull mastiff's owner, who was powerless to stop the attack, apologised afterwards.

Eventually the dog which was not on a lead at the time, let go and was dragged away.

Pensioner Mrs Smith, from Eyres Monsell, said: "It was absolutely terrifying, this big broad shouldered dog came running at Jenna and just dragged her about like a rag doll.

"Jenna couldn't breathe and she sounded like she was choking – I thought she was going to die in the street.

"She's in a state of shock – I think I am too – it's really affected her."

Mrs Smith reported the attack to the police and dog warden service at Leicester City Council.

A police spokeswoman said the incident was reported to them on Friday afternoon.

She said: "During the call it was assessed that the dog and owner were no longer at any risk and appropriate advice was given to contact the dog warden.

"The police and city council dog wardens work closely together and liaise regarding any potential prosecutions."

Mrs Smith's daughter Marie Smith, 41, from Saffron Lane, said: "The dog should have been on a lead.

"This is a dangerous animal and it could have attacked a child instead of another dog, I dread to think what could have happened.

"It seems a dangerous animal. I think it should be put down."

Leicester City Council dog wardens have interviewed Mrs Smith and are investigating the incident. They said they are trying to contact the bullmastiff's owner.

The RSPCA have said that it is the dog owner's responsibility to have their pet under control in a public place.

A spokeswoman added: "All owners have a duty to keep their dogs under control and to train them in a way that discourages aggression towards people and other animals.

"Under the Dangerous Dogs Act it is an offence to allow a dog to become 'dangerously out of control'."

A spokeswoman for PDSA said: "PDSA strongly advises that all dogs are socialised with other animals as puppies to avoid conflict when older."