A MAN SUFFERED several face fractures and was knocked unconscious when he was walking his dog in Co. Antrim and was assaulted by another dog walker.

The incident occurred at Prince William Way in Carrickfergus on Monday evening after the two men were walking their dogs behind a local leisure centre and became involved in verbal altercation.

The 43-year-old victim was struck on the side of the face and knocked unconscious for a time. He sustained a number of fractures  including to his jaw and eye- socket as well as severe bruising and possible nerve damage.

The assailant, who was walking two Japanese Akita dogs, is described as being around 6′ 3″ tall and of medium build with “bulging” eyes. It’s believed he was wearing blue jeans and a dark blue hoody.

PSNI officers are keen to speak to witnesses and would particularly like to hear from two women who tended to the victim shortly after he was attacked.