A dog was stabbed four times while protecting its owner from a knife attack.

Tony Brock was set upon outside his home in Devonshire Place, Kemp Town, Brighton, yesterday afternoon.

Charlie, a two-year-old Irish bull terrier, saved him from the blade by leaping up at the attacker.

The dog was speared through the neck and chest.

Mr Brock rushed his pet to a local vet's surgery. Charlie was under sedation this morning but was expected to make a full recovery.

Mr Brock said the attack was triggered after he made a remark to a woman who was walking past.

He said: "When the man lunged at me with the knife, one of my neighbours thought he'd cut me. It was unbelievable."

A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail.