The injuries of a beloved English Bulldog sustained in a frenzied dog attack are worse than first thought.

Ruth Lockwood, 67, was walking 10-year-old Frank and her other dog Lottie, a one-year-old Frenchie, on Moredon fields near Nova Hreod School when he was 'picked up and shaken like meat' by what she described as a German Shephard/Akita cross.

Warning: This article contains images some readers may find distressing.

The attacking dog's owners promised Ruth they would pay for his vet bills, but appear to have provided her with false information leading to her reporting it to the police and an investigation being launched. 

The popular pet received multiple lacerations caused by the other dog's teeth and needed surgery to remove possible gangrenous areas. 

But during this surgery, it was discovered that Frank's wounds were much more severe than initially thought and an update on this was provided on the new 'Frank's Friends' Facebook group which was set up to try and help find the other dog and its owners. 

Swindon Advertiser: Frank in a body suit to protect his post-surgery woundsFrank in a body suit to protect his post-surgery wounds (Image: Ruth Lockwood)

"The skin on his back was torn away from the muscle when he was lifted by the attacking dog's mouth/teeth and was badly damaged and quite a lot of it has died.

"Alice, the vet, has removed as much as she could and sewn it down on one side. The other side is more of a mess. Some of the bad tissue was removed but Frank has in now."

A GoFundMe page has now been set up to try and help Ruth cover the mounting vet bills as Frank needed to undergo further surgery and required multiple further check-ups. 

Swindon Advertiser: Frank needed a much more elaborate surgery than was first thought, and may need moreFrank needed a much more elaborate surgery than was first thought, and may need more (Image: Ruth Lockwood)"The damage under Frank's skin was much more extensive than initially thought," Ruth said.

Heather Oliver set the fundraiser up and said: "We are dog lovers and every single penny would help massively. Frank's mum has already paid out £3,000 but can’t afford any more treatment for him. And he’s still a while off getting better.

"So from the bottom of all of our hearts please help us help poor Frank get better. And for his mum not to worry about not being able to pay for vet bills.

"The owner of the other dog gave false names and addresses and contact numbers. So they are not paying. Frank’s mum is at a loose end. Nobody wants to see their baby poorly."

So far £1,000 has been raised by the GoFundMe page.