PET owners were "absolutely horrified" after reading a would-be dog robber who stabbed his victim in the stomach was still on the loose.

Thames Valley Police yesterday insisted an attack on a 29-year-old woman near Witney, who was injured while protecting her rare dog from a man who tried to snatch it, was thought to be an isolated incident that had not been plotted beforehand.

But another rare dog owner in Oxfordshire, who did not want to be named due to concerns for her beloved animals' safety, said: "For somebody to be stabbed is absolutely horrific. It's disturbing - it's shaken quite a few people up."

She was "very concerned" after reading about the attack in the Oxford Mail, which happened at Hardwick Gravel Pits on the afternoon of August 6.

She added: "Police might be saying it's a one-off but there have been incidents before of people taking dogs and holding them ransom. I would not want to take my little ones out there."

Yesterday police spokesman Jack Abell revealed more details about the attempted robbery, in which the brave victim scooped her pooch into her arms and struggled from the clutches of her attacker.

The attacker then stabbed her in the abdomen, inflicting minor injuries, before running off.

He said: "We don't believe the robbery was premeditated. It's quite a unique incident and it seems to be a one-off."

He said police did not yet know what weapon was used, adding: "The woman saw a flash of silver but didn't see what it was."

On Monday the force released an e-fit image of a suspect – anyone who recognises him can call 101.