A HEROIC dog protected its elderly owner from a low-life mugger who was trying to steal a wallet.

The sprightly man in his 70s had already punched the would-be thief before his dog snarled and went for him too.

The dog may have even bitten the crook, who ran off empty-handed.

The OAP had been walking his pet in an alleyway joining Cranborne Road and Furzefield park in Potters Bar last Sunday.

At around 10pm he was struck over the head before coming face-to-face with the hooded man, who demanded his wallet.

But he was soon scared off and ran away towards the park.

Detective constable Clare Edlin said: “This was an unpleasant and callous offence carried out on an elderly man, although fortunately the victim was uninjured.

“I’m appealing for anyone with information, who witnessed the incident or saw a man running away from the alley at this time to come forward.

“The offender may also have been injured, which could help to identify him”.

The suspect is described as a man aged between 20 and 30, about 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins tall, clean shaven with dark hair and a stocky build.

Call police on 0845 33 00 222.