RANGERS have searched Stanney Woods after two dogs received serious injuries while running through the undergrowth - but nothing sinister has been found.

The Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) staff carried out the search after Kristina Edwards dog Beau sustained a serious and deep wound to his side within second of entering the woods.

Fellow Ellesmere Port dog owner Liz Bartley reported that her dog Sally required emergency surgery to safe her life after she was inflicted with an almost identical wound about a month ago.

Following the reports, rangers searched the woods for broken branches, barbed wire or something more sinister. But nothing was found.

Councillor Karen Shore, CWAC's Cabinet Member, Environment said: “I was sorry to hear about the injuries to dogs walking in Stanney Woods. Our rangers searched the area as soon as they heard about the dogs, they followed the route that the dogs were reported to be walking in and nothing was found within the boundary of the woods.

“I would ask dog owner’s to be vigilant and if any potential dangers are spotted, we will take immediate action.”

Kristina said that she was pleased that the search has taken place but that she would be pushing the council to carry out more maintenance work.

She said: "At least the woods have been checked in which I’m very grateful for but it still need maintenance to the bushes and undergrowth to prevent any further injuries."

The Standard first reported the story after Kristina posted on social media, warning other dogowners to take care.

After posting about Beau's ordeal on the Pride in the Port Facebook group, users said they had had similar experiences in Stanney Woods with their pets.

Andrea Heard posted: "There have been a few posts in Pride in the Port on these sort of dog injuries whilst exercising in Stanney Woods. That is why I won't take my dogs there."

Other Pride in the Port members wanted to know how Beau, a Sprocker Spaniel, is doing.

Kristina added: "He’s back to his bouncy self but still got to take it easy (hard with a Spaniel."

But now Beau and Sally, and other dogs, received their injuries remains a mystery.

Describing what happened to Beau, Kristina said: “It was the main entrance with the barrier and car park. My dog ran straight ahead then ran to the ditches on the right and then to the left in the undergrowth.

“It’s when he came out of the undergrowth he just sat still in the middle of the pathway in shock. It was literally 30 seconds on entering the woods.”

Both Liz and Kristina shared their stories to make sure the same thing did not happen to other pets.

Liz added: "I would hate for this to happen to another dog."

Stanney Woods is a local nature reserve off Acorn Drive in Ellesmere Port, made up of an ancient woodland of oak and silver birch.

There are many walks criss-crossing the woods and the area is popular with bird watchers and families as well as dogwalkers.