Appeal after beach assault on dog warden

Shortly after 9.30am on Friday, May 29, one of the council’s dog wardens approached a member of the public who had two dogs off their leads in the dog exclusion area.

A council spokesman said his companion then assaulted the warden – described by police as a punch to the side of the face – and left the scene.

Both men are described as white, aged in their late 20s or early 30s, of thin build, one possibly having a Manchester accent.

One was wearing a Liverpool football shirt and the dogs are described by the council as a ‘staffie’ and a lurcher.

The dog warden has not been identified by the council but is said to be "recovering well after suffering significant swelling and bruising".

Under a council public spaces protection order, dogs are banned from what is described as the ‘amenity beach’ - between the south end of St Annes Pier car park and the RNLI slipway – between Good Friday and the end of September.

The council spokesman said: “We do recognise that incidents of this nature are not commonplace and members of the public are usually very respectful of our employees.

“We can only fulfil our public duty with the co-operation of the public and any behaviour of this type is unacceptable.

“If any members of the public witnessed the incident we would be grateful if they could get in touch as the culprit absconded from the area after the assault.

“We look forward to continuing our usual cordial interactions with the public and we are grateful for the ongoing support and co-operation.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Police confirmed that the dog warden was punched to the side of the face by an unknown person while warning a dog walker and that the matter remains under investigation.

Anyone who can help is asked to call the council on 01253 658658.

Alternatively email [email protected] or contact police on 101 quoting reference LC 20200529-0404.