A WOMAN was assaulted by a man who tried to steal her pet puppy. The attacker slapped the 25-year-old woman in the face after she fought to stop him grabbing her sprocker spaniel. She managed to keep hold of the dog and the man ran away.

The incident took place between 4.20pm and 4.40pm on Friday, December 13 in Forton Road at the junction with Moreland Road in Gosport. The woman was uninjured, but shocked by the incident.

The suspect is white, 5ft 9in to 5ft 11in, aged 30 to 40,of stocky build and with short, shaven hair. Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Neil Harrison at Fareham police station on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.