ON Saturday November 17, I was walking with a group of visiting family and friends, including three children under 10,  in the forest off Primrose Hill, Lydney.

As we approached the pathway which adjoins the path leading into the forest via Grove Lane, an Alsatian dog appeared. On seeing us, it ran at us barking furiously and baring its teeth, when the owner appeared I called to him, asking him if he could put the dog on a lead as we had children with us.

He refused and said that the dog was harmless.

He called the dog, and it completely ignored him and continued running at us and snarling and barking. This happened several times, before the owner walked away, completely ignoring our request to have the dog put on a lead.

We were all very shaken by this incident, and astounded at the ignorance of the dog owner. I have lived on Primrose Hill for 16 years and walk in the forest regularly, without a dog, and I have never met a dog owner who was not respectful and courteous to others until now.

I am writing this letter as a warning to other walkers. Please be aware of this dog, as you can see from the attached photo, taken by one of our party, it most certainly did not appear harmless.

– A concerned Primrose Hill Resident.