A COUPLE have been left "distraught" after their pet was killed by another dog - just three years after their previous dog died in an attack in the same place.

Neisha Bateman, 14, was walking Gus, a cross between a Jack Russell and a West Highland Terrier, in a field near Ripon Hall Avenue, Ramsbottom, at around 1pm this afternoon (Wednesday) when the incident happened.

She had the six-year-old dog on a lead when it was suddenly attacked by a larger animal that she had not seen before.

The youngster then had to pick up the injured pet and carry him home.

However, despite being rushed to the vets, Gus died as a result of punctured lungs.

Neisha's mother, Emma Bateman, said her daughter was "absolutely devastated" by what happened.

She said: "She took the dog for a walk and when she went around the field she saw some three teenage boys nearby.

"The boys didn't have a dog with them at the time but it came running out of nowhere and attacked Gus.

"Neisha shouted and one of the boys came running over and picked him up.

"He gave Gus to my daughter and she walked back to the house."

Gus was owned by Ms Bateman's parents Michael and Lillian Bateman, from Lancaster Avenue.

The couple took him in three years ago after their previous dog Deta, a small terrier, was killed in a very similar attack in the same area.

Ms Bateman said:"They are both distraught and devastated. It's the second time this has happened to them. Both times involved a bigger dog and both times our dog was on a lead and the other one wasn't."

The dog that attacked Gus is thought to have been a large animal similar to an Akita, which was black with white markings.

The incident has been reported to the police, the RSPCA and the dog warden at Bury Council.