A pensioner who had to have his arm and leg amputated after a vicious Rottweiler attack has praised emergency services for saving his life.

Vic Franklin was attacked by two Rottweilers who dragged him up and down the street as he tried to protect his Spaniel.

The 77-year-old needed surgery to save his life after being attacked by the dogs, who were shot dead by police.

Speaking after the brutal attack, Vic said: “Simply put, I wouldn’t be here without the assistance of our emergency service workers,” he said.

“From the first responders including police and paramedics, to the air ambulance crew and the selfless staff at Royal Sussex County Hospital, I am eternally grateful.”

The Argus: A shoe found at the sceneA shoe found at the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Firearms swarmed Lewes Close in Bognor and shot the two dogs dead after the attack in August.

One eyewitness, who wished not to be named, said they saw the dogs “ripped his clothes off and his shoes” and that Vic had been “fighting for his life” against the two Rottweilers.

Another witness said she heard a series of loud bangs and thought there had been an explosion after hearing police shooting the dogs.

She added: "I went over to see if I could help the dog and I've got two armed police running towards me with their guns telling me to get away.

"The old boy was walking his little Spaniel.

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"They have gone for his dog and mauled him when he tried to get in-between them.”

After being taken to hospital Vic was treated for life-changing injuries and had his left leg and right arm amputated as well as his left middle finger.

Vic’s son Lee called his dad a “hero” and added that the attack sent shockwaves through the family.

He said: “We were completely devastated when we heard what happened. It sent shockwaves through the family because dad has been the glue that holds us all together.

“Our main concern was not only the preservation of his life, but also the quality of his life.

The Argus: Police officers at the scenePolice officers at the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

“We realised we didn’t have a choice and after having his left leg, right arm and left middle finger amputated, we feared the worst.

“You just don’t know what’s going to happen. But with dad in recovery now, everyone who sees him says how much of an inspiration he is.

“He’s still dad, and he still manages to make everyone laugh.

“The first thing he said when he woke up from surgery was ‘Everyone is safe now’ after hearing the news about the attack. His first thought was to ensure everyone was safe and that the dogs could do no further harm. As far as we’re concerned he’s our hero.”

The owner of the two Rottweilers, a 29-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

He remains on conditional bail.