An elderly Masterton man has been rushed to hospital for emergency hip surgery after a dog attack left him seriously injured.
The 84-year-old was on his mobility scooter on South Rd near the corner of Cockburn St at about 10.55am on Wednesday when he was attacked by the labrador cross, which was with its owner and wearing a leash and harness.
Sergeant Chris Megaw said police were still piecing together what happened, but it appeared the dog had bit the man on the arm, causing him to fall from his scooter and injure his hip. Although protected from the dog's bite by several layers of clothing, the man was in a lot of pain when he was taken to hospital by ambulance, Mr Megaw said.
He was due to undergo surgery on his hip, which was possibly fractured, yesterday.
Mr Megaw said police had concerns for the man's health due to his age. "An elderly gentlemen has gone to hospital, and being elderly we are concerned about his health ... when you are 84, it's a big drama."