Leeds business steps in to help pooch Betty whose owner was injured in Manston Park attack

A 49-year-old man was assaulted by a group of teenage boys on February 27, leaving him with serious head injuries and unable to work for 12 months.

The attack has rocked the Cross Gates community and more than £2,500 has now been raised for the man, Matthew, and his partner Karen - who do not wish to disclose their last names.

While Matthew recovers from the attack, a doggy day care business has offered to walk the couple's dog Betty free of charge.

Tracey Oliver, 48, and her wife Jayne, 58, run Cozy Canines Services in Cross Gates.

They were shocked by the news of the attack and said they had to do something to help.

Tracey told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "We wanted to help the family who were affected by this brutal crime. When news first broke about the attack, we couldn’t get it out of our heads. It could have been any of us, just out walking our dogs.

"So we put it to the couple, if they needed their dog walking while they recovered, mentally and physically, we would take her out for a month free of charge so she could let off some steam.

"The arrangement is going well, a week in. Betty is a gorgeous, a well-natured rescue dog. She loves to be outside and enjoys her outings with us and our dog Finley.

"She is coming for a half day trial Exclusive Day care session tomorrow and a good bath, as the family are finding it hard to perform such tasks.

"Hopefully she will also be coming to stay with us later in the year when the family have a happy occasion to celebrate, fingers crossed. We would like to think if we were in need, someone would help us."

Matthew now faces a grueling 12 month recovery from his injuries.

A JustGiving page has been set up by a community Facebook group to help the family, surpassing its target of £1,000 in just two hours.

Matthew's partner Karen said: "We were really surprised at how the community have rallied around with offers of support and love. We are amazed by people's love and generosity."

Anyone with information on the attack is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13210101252 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

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