POLICE are hunting the owner of a dangerous dog “used as a weapon” as it savaged a man's groin during an attack in Whetstone on Friday night.

The 23-year-old victim was left with bite wounds to the inside of his leg and taken to Barnet Hospital following the attack in Greenside Close, at about 11pm.

Officers said the man was attacked when visiting his girlfriend. Two men knocked at her door, and when she answered, forced their way in. According to the police, one of the men had been in a previous relationship with the woman.

The man was beaten and tried to escape. He was chased in the street and when the men caught him, a pink-nosed pit bull terrier was set on him. It was then he received the injuries to his groin, said police.

The victim also sustained a dislocated shoulder as a result of the earlier assault.

Barnet police said they are “urgently seeking” the two men in connection to the assault and the pit bull.

Detective Constable Davies, from Barnet CID, said: “Police are very concerned a person has apparently used a pit bull as a weapon.

“We would urge any member of the public with information to contact us. We will treat all information in complete confidence.”

Police said the man. who allegedly urged the dog to attack the victim, had been using the name “Carlos”.

He is described as black, stocky, in his mid-20s, 5ft 9” tall, with his hair platted in cane rows.

The second man is also black and in his mid-20s, about 5ft 8” tall and slim.

Anyone with information should contact DC Davies at Barnet CID, on 020 8733, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 2415242/10.