Dog attacks elderly NSW woman on street

An elderly NSW woman will undergo surgery after she was attacked by a dog while walking her dog in Newcastle.

Police say the 81-year-old was walking in New Lambton on Friday afternoon when the dog ran up to her and bit her and her dog several times.

Witnesses came to the woman's rescue and took control of the attacking dog and the injured woman was taken to John Hunter Hospital.

Her dog suffered minor injuries.

Police say they are liaising with the council and the owner of the dog involved in the attack as part of their investigation.