Father describes horrific Bushy Park dog attack at Easter

The father, who asked to remain anonymous, said his children were searching for chocolate eggs in Bushy Park at 5:30pm on Sunday, April 4, when an off-lead dog emerged from the woods and attacked his daughter and wife.

The pair were rushed to St George’s Hospital, Tooting and are recovering from serious bite wounds. However, the attack has left the family “scarred for life” as police search for the missing dog owners.

Police are searching for the owner of the dog attack

Speaking to Richmond and Twickenham Times, the father, whose family are regular visitors to the park in Hampton, described the incident as “the most horrific experience in my life.”

“As a parent, I’ve been having flashbacks and waking up in cold sweats reliving it.

“We were close to the Sandy Lane Gate, near the BMX track. There were a group of men sitting in the trees with three dogs smoking cannabis nearby.

“My children were just searching for eggs in the trees when a dog appeared and mauled my daughter. I saw it in slow motion. She panicked and the dog went into a frenzy and went for her.”

“My wife got in between my daughter and the dog and took a tooth through her hand. I tried to get the dog off by kicking it but it then chased my son.”

“Finally, the owner ran over and jumped on the dog to control it, though it was clear he had no control over it. He tried to blame our children for running, but children deserve every right to run in a park without being mauled by a vicious dog,” he said.

Police have released images of three men who apparently fled the scene in separate directions – one towards Vicarage Road.

Police released images of the men they wish to speak to

The individual believed to be the dog’s owner is described by police as a light-skinned black male with a moustache, who was wearing a yellow and black top and dark trousers.

The father of the victims is working with the police to track down the crossbreed dog, which he believes is dangerous.

“It was probably bought as a power symbol, with no idea what it was capable of. I don’t know how my daughter survived it if I’m honest. It was like a shark attack, I’m amazed she didn’t lose her arm.”

“It’s happened to us and we can’t change that. But we don’t want this to happen to someone else. If it had happened to a younger child, they may not have survived,” the father said.

His family added that they were “eternally grateful” for the NHS and “the continual support” doctors have provided.

A Richmond Police spokesperson said:

“Police are looking to speak to three males involved in a dog attack causing serious injury to victims in Bushy Park on Easter Sunday 4th April at around 5.30hrs.

“If you have information or know the males please call police on 101 with reference to report 0703049/21, or report online via their website.”