Confusion as barbed wire fence appears in Old Catton

The woman, who wishes to remain nameless, added that she narrowly missed being injured herself as she and her golden Labradoodle did their regular walk in a park in Old Catton.

She said the fence was not easily visible from Windsor Park Gardens and no sign had been put up to warn walkers. 

The barbed wire appeared suddenly late last week (Image: Beth Owen) "My dog ran straight into the barbed wire and got stuck," she said. 

"Apart from losing a few clumps of fur he's OK, but I'm really shaken.

READ MORE: Dogs banned from popular walking site after sheep attacked

"I do not understand the logic of putting barbed wire in a park, it could have been so much worse, it could have injured a child."

News of the barbed wire was quickly shared with social media groups where similarly concerned locals raised queries about its necessity. 

The path between the play park and the field has never previously been fenced off (Image: Google) Some pointed out that the field is still accessible from at least five other points nearby and that it seems "a bit odd" to fence just one part.

But the woman is concerned that it's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.

READ MORE: Row erupts over whether Anglian Water or council caused major damage to city home

"Whether or not the path has right-of-way access my issue is that the fence has been made with barbed wire which is dangerous to people and animals.

"I'd hate for someone else to get hurt in a park where children play."

Beth and her dog narrowly missed being hurt on the wire (Image: Beth Owen) Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1984 landowners must take reasonable precautions to prevent injury to people caused by dangers on their property.

This also extends to public footpaths and most UK police forces advise against the use of barbed wire as a deterrent because of the risk of injury it carries. 

The local council has been approached for comment.