Two men have been arrested after a woman was attacked while looking for her dog in Copt Oak - an incident which left her in a critical condition.

Shortly before 5.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 December) police were called to a service station in Little Shaw Lane, Markfield following a report that a woman was seriously injured.

It was then established the victim – who is in her 30s – had been attacked with a bladed weapon in Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak.

Two men who were with her were also attacked before all three managed to leave the area.

One of the men told police that they had visited Copt Oak Road as he had been informed his purple Nissan X-Trail, which had been stolen earlier in the day, was at the location.

The car had been taken while parked in Central Road, Hugglescote, just before 2pm.

A dog – a black and ginger lurcher called Duke – was inside.

The car was found by officers in Priory Lane, Ulverscroft but the dog has not yet been located.

Following further enquiries, two men aged 52 and 30 were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

They remain in custody while the investigation continues. The victim remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Detective Sergeant Jenny Tattersall, from the force's Complex Investigation Team (CIT) said: "Our enquiries into this incident are continuing today and while two people have been arrested, I would still like to speak to anyone who thinks they can help – but has not yet come forward.

"I would like to speak to anyone who has seen the dog or aware of it being offered for sale somewhere.

"I am also keen to speak to anyone who saw a purple Nissan X-Trail travelling from Hugglescote to Copt Oak after 2pm yesterday – particularly any motorists with a dashcam in their vehicle.

"Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could help."

You can pass on information by clicking HERE and quoting reference 21*714824.

Alternatively call 101.