So savage was the attack that the dog owner had to use the victim's walking stick to fight off the animals. Phil Bowen then spent three hours in hospital where he had wounds to his face and leg treated and received a tetanus jab.

The Creggan man told the 'Journal' of his fear that a child could be killed in a similar attack.

Having suffered bites and paw marks to his face, legs, stomach, back, groin and arms during the attack, Mr. Bowen said: "I dread to think what would have happened had a child been walking this dog instead of me.

"I was walking the family pet, Honey, on a leash in Brooke Park when I saw three large boxer dogs running at us. I knew they were running at my Yorkshire Terrier so I lifted and sheltered her but as I did the animals attacked me."

Initially fighting the dogs off with his walking stick, Phil recalled how the attack lasted five or six minutes, "but seemed to last for an eternity.

"The dogs were in a frenzy, as I beat one away the other two attacked, it was a losing battle. If I had fallen they would have torn me apart."

'Walked off'

Mr. Bowen claimed that the owner of the dogs walked off immediately after leashing his animals.

"He beat them with my walking stick and managed to get them to subdue. The only thing he said before leaving was, 'sorry about that,' then he walked off, I was bleeding everywhere and was just glad to see him go away. I don't even know which direction he walked away."

Mr. Bowen visited the park to walk his dog, who was not injured in the attack, every day but now says: "I'll never go back again. It was the best place to go with a wee dog but never again."

Derry City Council's Dog Warden Malachy Duddy confirmed they are investigating the incident.

"Our investigation into the matter is ongoing. We are very interested in meeting the dog owner.

"We have stepped up our patrols in the area following this shocking attack. If the gentleman had fallen to the ground, we could be talking about a fatality as he was cradling his own pet. We would urge all dog owners to keep their animals on a leash.

"We would appeal to the owner of the boxers or anyone with information about these dogs to contact me on 71376566."

Mr. Bowen stated that, despite the horrific nature of the attack, he would not like to see the animals destroyed. "I'm angry the man simply walked away without helping me but these animals are normally lovely so as a pet owner I wouldn't want them destroyed."