A senior walking by a convenience store had to be rushed to hospital Monday morning after an "unprovoked" attack by an unleashed dog, whose owner didn't stay to help.

The incident happened when a woman was apparently walking by a Mac's convenience store at Scott Road and 92nd Avenue in the Whalley neighbourhood of Surrey around 11 a.m.

Witnesses told CTV News the dog's owner was inside the store when the canine, who was outside with another person, injured the 65-year-old.

The owner ran outside and pulled the animal away, and then walked away with it.

"Information obtained at the scene indicated that the woman was walking in the area next to a convenience store when she was attacked, unprovoked, by an unleashed grey and white pit bull," Surrey RCMP Sgt. Alanna Dunlop said in a statement issued to media.

Several paramedics and members of Surrey Fire Service treated the woman as she was lying on the road.

Her right arm was put into a splint and bandaged before she was loaded onto a stretcher and transported to hospital. She was treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries to her forearm.

Mounties are canvassing the area for witnesses, and searching for the dog and owner with help from the City of Surrey's Animal Control Office.

The owner is described as a white man, late 30s to early 40s with a heavier build. He was wearing a black tank top, black sweat pants and a black baseball hat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, at 1-800-222-TIPS.