A woman in her 60s was forced to watch in horror as her dog was killed by two Staffordshire bull terriers last week.

Bridget Smith of Keswick Road, Putney, was walking her two-year-old Sheltie, Benji, on the fairground site by Putney Heath last Monday morning (May 16), when the two unleashed dogs brutally attacked him.

They grabbed Benji by the neck with such force that he was killed instantly.

The owner of the two killer dogs hastily left the scene with them promising to put them down.

Mrs Smith said: "I was walking with Benji off the lead and this dog went up and started barking at him. It then went straight for him before the second dog came over and joined in.

"I got a bit hysterical but there was nothing I could do. The owner came up and tried to pull them away. She then said to me I think your dog is dead.

"She then went off as quickly as she could and said to me she would put the dogs down tomorrow, but I doubt she did. We are devastated."

Afterwards Mrs Smith rang her husband James, who came and wrapped up Benji in a rug before burying him in their garden.

Mr Smith said: "For us it is very upsetting losing our dog, who our grandchildren adored. But what if my wife had our granddaughter in a pram? The consequences are unthinkable."

Bill Roland, head of security for the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators area, where the incident happened, said: "We have searched around for her (the owner) but she is probably keeping a low profile at the moment.

"Hopefully owners of dangerous dogs will soon realise that behaviour like this won't be tolerated."

Police confirmed the incident had been reported to them but, as it was not a criminal matter because no person was injured, civil remedies were explained to the couple.

The unknown owner is described as a large white female with dark hair, in her late 30s, and about 5ft 5ins. One of the dogs was golden in colour, the other was dark brown.

If you know the identity of the owner or see any other dangerous dogs in the Putney Heath and Common area, contact the Wimbledon and Putney Commons' Rangers' office on 020 8788 7655