A WOMAN was spat at and assaulted while out walking her dog.

At about 3.15pm on Sunday, a woman in her 60s was walking her dog when a black and white springer spaniel jumped at her and circled around her own dog.

After she pushed the spaniel away, a man who was accompanying its owner came over and proceeded to shout abuse at her.

When she tried to walk away, the owner spat in her face and made verbal threats. She tried to get a photo of the perpetrator, but he grabbed her arm and threatened to smash her phone.

Police are appealing for information about the incident, which happened in a field near to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Gillingham.

The men are described as being white, between 35 and 40-years-old, of medium build and having short hair. The first man is said to be about 5'10'' and wearing a dark coat with a hood. The second, who is said to have had a chocolate Labrador with him, is described as 5'8" and wearing a dark-coloured coat that might have been green.

They were said to both be wearing jeans and green wellington boots.

Police Constable Craig Marshall of North Dorset police said: “This was a distressing incident for the victim and an investigation is underway to identify the two men.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the assault to please get in touch. “I would also urge anyone who recognises the two men from the descriptions given to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190193006. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org