A mum was left covered in blood after being attacked by an out-of-control dog which had escaped its home.
Victoria Ineson, 36, was walking to her mum's house in Netherley, Liverpool when she spotted two Boxers running around off the lead last Wednesday afternoon.
She had been listening to music but took out her earbuds when residents started shouting "the dogs are attacking people".
One of the animals suddenly lunged and clamped down on her leg, shaking it "like a ragdoll" and dragging her to the floor.
With the help of neighbours, she managed to scare the dogs away and was later taken to hospital, where she was given a tetanus injection and a round of antibiotics.
Victoria told the Liverpool Echo: "The dogs ran over to me and I just froze on the spot. I can't run fast and I didn't want to try to challenge them and make things even worse.
"At first all they did was sniff my boot. I didn't make any sudden movements or scream.
"Then one of the dogs took a jump back, and it bit the back of my thigh."
In a desperate attempt to drive the dogs away, she launched a fizzy drink can while other locals in nearby gardens threw sticks and stones.
She said: "Despite everything I wasn't hitting the dog itself, because I thought if I lashed out it could grab my arm and drag me to the floor.
"The people in the garden were throwing rocks, and eventually the dog let go and I dragged myself into the garden."
Terrifyingly, the animals then turned their attention to a 12-year-old boy who was walking past.
Victoria continued: "I went to run out to grab the dogs, but my leg felt really heavy, and when I looked down it was in a bad way. It was all swollen and I had fatty tissue all over my leg.
"Blood was pouring down my leg. My white trainers were saturated with blood.
"I turned and shouted to the boy to come to the garden. The dog was grabbing his bag, and we were shouting 'just drop the bag and run'."
Other residents also came to the rescue, lifting the boy up while others chased them off using sticks.
Police were called and managed to seize the Boxers, taking them to secure kennels.
Three other people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Officers are now carrying out witness enquiries and examining CCTV in the area.
Inspector Joanne Jacob said: “This was a shocking and traumatic attack that has left several residents in the area with multiple injuries.
"Whilst we continue to investigate this incident we can confirm the two dogs were seized shortly after the attack and are confirmed to be the Boxer breed.
"I want to emphasize that dog owners need to be mindful of their dogs' behaviours at all times, particularly when they are outside.
"If you are a dog owner or anyone who is looking after any dogs that are liable to be aggressive please make sure they are in a protected space and on a lead or muzzled if out in public."
Despite being a big dog lover, Victoria has been left terrified of the animals following the attack.
She said: "I should have had my two-year-old son with me at the time, and I've had nightmares about what might've happened if he'd been with me.
"My leg is really sore and it's still weeping through my bandage, but I'm keeping on top of it. But mentally, I've rarely been sleeping and I've been reliving the situation in my mind. I'm terrified to go near a dog now.
"My next door neighbour has a small dog, and every time I hear her barking I jump.
"I just consider myself lucky that it was me and not one of my kids. (My leg) is still numb at the moment, so I'm not sure if I have any long-term damage.
"Physically I think it will be okay, but mentally I think it will take longer."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 23000516852, or call or the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.
