An elderly man is in hospital with a potentially life‑threatening head injury after being attacked by a large, off‑lead dog in central Plymouth on Saturday morning.
The 79‑year‑old was walking near the newly revamped Armada Dial — commonly known locally as the Sundial — at about 9.15am when the incident occurred. Police say the dog, described in initial reports as large and black, jumped at the man, who subsequently fell and struck his head. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.
Police appeal and witness information
Devon and Cornwall Police have urged the dog’s owner to come forward and are asking for anyone who assisted at the scene or who may have footage to get in touch to help establish the circumstances.
"Officers are asking for the dog owner to come forward and would also like to hear from anyone who helped at the scene who may have information to establish the circumstances of the incident."
People with information are asked to contact police via the force website or by calling 101, quoting reference 50260203507. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online or by calling freephone 0800 555 111.
Context: rising numbers of dog attacks
The incident comes amid an upward trend in recorded attacks involving out‑of‑control dogs in the county. Devon and Cornwall Police recorded 1,265 incidents causing injury in 2025 — more than double the 609 recorded in 2019.
| Year | Recorded incidents (Devon & Cornwall) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 609 |
| 2025 | 1,265 |
Nationally, police forces across England and Wales recorded at least 29,400 out‑of‑control dog incidents causing injury in 2025 — an increase on the previous two years. Locally, the rise has prompted concerns among residents and councillors about dog control, public safety in urban spaces and enforcement of existing legislation.
Local impact and next steps
The area around the Armada Dial is a well‑used public space close to the city centre, visited by walkers, shoppers and tourists. An incident of this nature is likely to heighten calls for visible enforcement of dog‑control measures and may prompt renewed discussion between Plymouth City Council, local police and community groups about signage, dog‑walking bylaws and the provision of designated off‑lead areas.
- Victim: 79‑year‑old man; currently hospitalised with a head injury.
- Scene: Armada Dial (Sundial), central Plymouth; time approx. 9.15am on Saturday.
- Police request: owner and any witnesses or mobile footage to contact 101, ref 50260203507, or Crimestoppers.
Devon and Cornwall Police continue to investigate. Anyone with information is urged to come forward to assist with enquiries into the circumstances of the attack.
