"I thought I would be carrying a dead dog back home in pieces."

These are the words of Addiscombe man Gerald Wade as he describes the harrowing moment he and his dog Bryn were allegedly set upon in an attack that left Bryn fighting for his life.

Mr Wade was walking his two dogs on October 22 at the Addiscombe Recreational Park, but as he went to leave, was confronted by "two white tanned dogs and a male owner."

"His dogs were off the lead and not muzzled," Mr Wade said.

"As soon as they saw my two dogs they charged at me.

"For my own dogs' safety I picked them up to my chest.

"The dogs jumped at me and tore my dog from my arms."

Mr Wade then jumped in to try and free Bryn, and was also injured as a result.

"He was ripping my dog apart," the Addiscombe man said.

"My injuries are nothing compared to my dog's. When I eventually separated them I ran for safety."

Police attended the scene where they found both Mr Wade and Bryn injured.

The dog that is alleged to have attacked the pair was seized by officers and taken to a south London police station where it remains in custody and is waiting to be assessed by officers from the dog unit.

Mr Wade says this is a common issue and residents fear going back to the park.

"We are dealing with dangerous dogs and a very irresponsible dog owner," he said.

"This is not the first time these dogs have attacked people either."

On October 9, a post in the Addiscombe & Shirley Park Residents' Association facebook page described a similar incident.

"Please be aware of two badly-behaved dogs and their owners in Addiscombe Recreation Ground/Bingham Park," the post said.

"Two tan and white English Bull Terriers are behaving aggressively to other dogs and their owners/walkers have been reported as abusive to other dog owners.

"Police have been informed: please be aware as you enter the park."

Mr Wade says he hasn't been able to sleep since the incident.

"Bryn has severe puncture wounds in his stomach and back leg and has an open drain running from one side to the other," Mr Wade said.

"He is a tough cookie though, I don't know how he survived."

Police say no arrests have been made and enquiries continue.