A Wishaw woman has told of her shock of being attacked as she tried to save one of her dogs from being stolen.

Gayle Smillie was walking her four miniature dachshunds at Perchy Pond in the town on January 20 when she was assaulted by a man and woman who then tried to take her pet, Tilly.

Thankfully Gayle and her beloved dogs managed to escape.

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However, the 34-year-old was left with a bloody face after the would-be muggers hit her several times with a strap.

Gayle, who walks dogs for a living, said: "I live right next to Perchy and I'm up there every day.

"I went up there about 3.30pm - it's quieter then as a lot of people are picking their kids up from school.

"I'm a dog walker and have never had any issues, but I suppose all it takes is one person.

"I was walking up with my four dogs when I saw a man and a woman; they were just standing talking.

Gayle Smillie was hit by a strap as she battled to save her dog

"She walked past me and then she tried to take my girl, Tilly. They didn't try and get any of the boys it was Tilly they wanted.

"She grabbed her and tried to run and then I went after her. She was trying to strap Tilly's legs.

"When I managed to get Tilly back, she started hitting me with the strap. I was shouting because I thought there must be someone around to help me.

"My other dogs were running with me and when I got Tilly back, I just ran and didn't look back.

"Thankfully I met a man who was out walking his collie.

"He put his dog in his car and walked me down to my home and made sure I was okay."

Gayle described both attackers as being in their late 20s, with neither speaking English.

The man was around 6ft and wearing all black, while the woman was approximately 5ft 6in, wearing skinny jeans, white trainers and a black jacket.

Gayle is now recuperating at home after her ordeal.

She added: "One of my dog walking clients is a nurse so she came down and patched me up. I didn't want to go to hospital and leave the dogs.

"Tilly is 10 so she's an old dear. She's very quiet at the moment but I called the vet and she's told me to keep an eye on her.

"I just want people to be aware before they go up there. It's not going to put me off going up to the Perchy but I'll be watching what I'm doing."

Lanarkshire Live have made Police Scotland aware of the incident.

Defiant Gayle added: "Thankfully we are all home safe - never mess with a dog mum!"

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101.

Information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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