Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was bitten in the face by a dog in Clacton. 

The man, who is in his twenties, was walking along a footpath between Burrs Road and London Road, Clacton, when he was attacked.

As he bent down to pick up his football, a dog, described as possibly a bull terrier, leapt up and bit him in the face. 

The man required hospital treatment and received 16 stitches above his lip and below his right eye.

Essex Police said the dog was off the lead and unmuzzled.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 9am on May 30, should call PC Rob Cubberley, at Clacton Police Station, on 0300 333 4444.