AN investigation has been launched after a woman complained she was bitten by a dog belonging to a group of travellers.

Bournemouth council's dog warden is looking into claims that Patricia Sainsbury was attacked after a group of travellers moved on to Iford Meadows on Thursday (August 19).

Retired Ms Sainsbury, from Southbourne, said: "My dog wasn't anywhere near the other dog, which belonged to one of the travellers, but it ran over and bit me on the back of the leg. Someone was leaning out of a caravan window and shouting 'watch out it bites,' but it didn't help much.

"I had to go to hospital but couldn't have stitches in case there was an infection. It was only a small dog but it hurt.

"I think the travellers should put signs up warning people about the dogs because if I had been a small child I would have been quite badly hurt."

Council officials confirmed they have been made aware of a group of seven caravans, to the north of the railway line, opposite Collingbourne Avenue.

"The council is required to carry out health and welfare checks on the group, which will take place on Monday," said Jo Poole, council spokeswoman.

The process usually followed by the council is that, following the successful completion of the welfare checks, a court order is applied for to evict travellers from the site.

First published: August 21