Pensioner, 77, who lost an arm and leg during horrific mauling by two crazed Rottweilers was ‘dragged around like a rag doll’ – and woke up asking if ‘everyone was safe’

A pensioner who lost an arm and a leg during a horrific mauling by two Rottweilers was ‘dragged around like a rag doll’, it has been revealed.

An eyewitness, who did not wish to be named, said the victim, 77-year-old Vic Franklin, even woke up asking if ’everyone was safe’.

Mr Franklin lost his left leg, right arm and left middle finger following the horrific attack near his home in Bognor Regis, West Sussex on August 18. 

The eyewitness said of the attack: ‘It was absolutely horrific. I’ve never seen anything so horrendous in my whole life.

‘He was being dragged around like a rag doll by the two dogs. One had his arm and the other had his leg and they were shaking him violently. He was trying to bat them off and get to his feet.

Vic Franklin, 77, sustained life-changing injuries after the horrific attack near his home in Bognor Regis, West Sussex on August 18

The two dogs involved – Rottweilers – were killed to stop them attacking anyone else, while a 29-year-old man was been arrested

‘His shirt and trousers were ripped and his shoes were lying on the grass and he was covered in blood.’

Mr Franklin had been walking his pet spaniel dog on large grassland adjoining Lewes Close, Bognor.

The pensioner, who was described as a ‘friendly soul’ and lived alone with his dog, retired to the seaside town from London several years ago.

The eyewitness said: ‘I heard shouting and screaming and went outside to see what was happening.

‘The two dogs were totally crazed. The owner was standing to one side and running around and shouting at the dogs but was unable to get them to stop attacking the man.

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‘It seemed to go on for ages. I ran back home to see if someone had called the police and when I returned he was still be attacked. They wouldn’t let him alone. He was covered in blood. I thought he was going to die.’

He said armed police arrived shortly afterwards and the dogs were shot when they broke away from the stricken pensioner.

An ambulance arrived and paramedics treated him at the scene before rushing him to hospital.

The man said no other people were attacked by the dogs and it didn’t appear anyone else was in danger.

‘They seemed to be totally focused on the old man. They were just going for the kill. It’s absolutely shocking someone let them off their leads – they were killing machines.’

Mr Franklin was airlifted to hospital and has since undergone several operations. As he continues his recovery in hospital, he has expressed his gratitude to those who came to his aid. 

‘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.’

After receiving several 999 calls from members of the public, specialist police firearms officers were deployed to the scene and granted authority to bring the dogs safely under control. 

After receiving several 999 calls from members of the public, specialist police firearms officers were deployed to the scene and granted authority to bring the dogs safely under control

This is a stock image of a Rottweiler dog. Mr Franklin was attacked by what are believed to have been two Rottweilers

Mr Franklin’s son Lee praised his father’s bravery.

‘We were completely devastated when we heard what happened,’ he said. 

‘It sent shockwaves through the family because dad has been the glue that holds us all together.

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

‘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.’

Lee added: ‘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.’

A 29-year-old man from Bognor Regis was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

He was bailed until November 16, pending further enquiries.

The police investigation remains ongoing and anyone with any information who has not yet come forward is urged to report it online or call 101, quoting Op Byfleet.

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