DOG attacks on postmen and women in Swindon have fallen by nearly half, according to the Royal Mail.

The new figures were revealed as the firm appeals to dog-owners across the UK to be more responsible.

In the SN postcodes there were 16 postmen and women attacked by dogs from April 2017 to April 2018, down 43 per cent on the previous year.

Dr Shaun Davis, Royal Mail group global director of safety, health, wellbeing and sustainability said: “One attack is still one attack too many.

“Our research continues to show that attacks happen most often in the summer, so we are continuing our campaign to appeal to customers to help us cut attacks across the UK.

“I am pleased that the overall dog attacks numbers continue to fall, but I am still very concerned that in some postcodes attacks are on the increase.

“I am appealing to dog owners to think twice when the postman calls.”

Royal Mail is running its sixth annual Dog Awareness Week until June 30 to appeal to owners across the UK and in Swindon to raise awareness of dog attacks and encourage owners to be responsible.

The firm is offering tips to owners to reduce attacks, including keeping dogs away from letter boxes, not allowing dogs to roam in the front garden, and not opening the door without the dog under control.