A MAN is recovering after he was stabbed while walking his dogs in Basingstoke’s War Memorial Park.

Chris Gray was attacked in woodland near the Crossborough Hill car park, just before 5.30pm last Wednesday.

The 35-year-old, an HGV driver, was walking his two Samoyed dogs Ollie and Aubin when the attacker struck.

Mr Gray, from Eastrop, Basingstoke, told The Gazette: “I was in the woods looking for one of my dogs, as I thought it had seen a rabbit, when this character appeared.

“He did not say a word, came towards me and attacked me. He lunged at me and he had a small, sharp implement in his hand. He tried to grab me and pull me back into the woods.”

Mr Gray said he broke free and ran from the trees, but had to go back to get his dogs.

He said he was attacked again, but managed to wrestle the attacker to the ground before leaving with his dogs.

The victim said he did not see the weapon he was attacked with, but he sustained small puncture wounds on his arms, torso and thigh, and went to Basingstoke hospital for treatment. The dogs were not injured.

Mr Gray added: “He was such a nasty piece of work – he needs to be found as soon as possible. I don’t know why he attacked me – maybe he confused me for someone else, or maybe he was unwell mentally.”

Officers conducted reassurance patrols in War Memorial Park following the attack.

Detective Sergeant Tim Chappell said: “This was a seemingly unprovoked attack at a time when there may have been many people walking through the park on their way home.”

Anyone with information can contact Det Sgt Chappell, at Basingstoke police station, on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.