A dog walker was left needing hospital treatment after being slashed defending his pet from cruel thugs.

The 37-year-old was jumped in the wooded area between Tormusk Road and Fenhill Road in Castlemilk sometime between 5.40am and 6.30am today.

He was walking his Rottweiler dog when he was violently attacked by three men who attempted to take the dog from him.

As a result, the victim received a number of injuries including cuts to his hands and head. 

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He was taken to hospital where he was treated for the injuries.

Pictures seen by the Evening Times show the bloodied victim with cuts around the back and top of his head.

He was also wearing a bandage around his hand. 

The area was sealed off by police this morning.

The three suspects can only be described as being white European, all were approximately 5ft10inches tall and were wearing black jackets with hoods up, partially covering their faces.

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Constable Andy Reid of Govan Community Investigation Unit said:  “This was a particularly violent and sustained attack and has taken place in a wooded area which is popular with dog walkers and is used regularly by pedestrians.

"We would ask anyone who happened to be walking in the area, or close to it, and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious or noticed anyone suspicious loitering in the area to contact us on the 101 number, quoting the reference number 0437 of 14 November 2019. 

"Anyone wishing to pass on information and remain anonymous can do so by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."