Search for
Search for
Search forINGATESTONE: Stab victim's bulldog wins bravery award
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 00:00
Martin Bolton was walking with his two bulldogs near his home in Ingatestone in May when he was approached by the man with a blade who tried to take one of the dogs.
Mr Bolton, 34, director of a family engineering business, was slashed several times on the arm and leg, suffered two stab wounds to his leg and a broken finger but is convinced brave Alfie saved his life when he sunk his teeth into the man's leg.
Alfie, three, is now one of the winners of a national competition run by canine magazine Dogs Today. He joins others picked to appear in a calendar celebrating inspirational dogs and features as the bravest dog of the year.
Father-of-three Mr Bolton said: "I 100 per cent believe that Alfie saved my life. My two dogs are both as good as each other but Alfie is definitely my soul-mate. It is thanks to Alfie that I'm still here."
Back in May Mr Bolton was approached by two men who told him to hand over his dogs. He refused to give up Millie and was attacked. Alfie rushed to the rescue and the two men fled in a van.
Mr Bolton said it was a traumatic experience but he was determined to hold on to his dogs.
After the attack he fitted cameras and an alarm system at his home but he has since returned to walking the same route.
The police told him they retrieved good DNA from the man's blood in Alfie's mouth. Police are still on the look-out for the man and his accomplice and want to hear from witnesses who may have seen the men or the van.
They are described as white with one aged between 30 and 35, of medium build with black hair. He was wearing a dark coloured Fila sweatshirt, dark jogging trousers and a silver chunky bracelet.
The other was skinny with a dark hooded top. The pair drove off in a tatty white Transit van.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Brentwood CID on 0300 333 4444.
The calendar is free with this month's edition of Dogs Today magazine.
100% Compensation with Free Service. No Win No Fee Start Claim online.
Depart from Heathrow or Manchester. £xxx rtn inc tax. Book online now.
Pet Insurance- 5% Online Discount
UK Pet Insurance. Buy instantly online. From just £4.85 per month.
PROUD: Martin Bolton and his bulldog Alfie.
Comment on this story