A heroic neighbour stepped in to rescue a four-year-old boy who was attacked by an out-of-control dog.
Residents on Wellesbourne Place, Norris Green, heard a screech as a dog launched itself at the young boy on the evening of Saturday, August 13. Merseyside Police confirmed that a four-year-old had serious injuries caused by a bull mastiff type breed which attacked while he was visiting a friend's house in the tight, car lined close.
The brave neighbour managed to pull the boy away from the dog, and the youngster was rushed to hospital where he remains. His condition is described as serious but stable.
READ MORE: Boy, 4, seriously injured in vicious dog attack
Speaking to the ECHO, one neighbour said she heard screams before running up to her room in fear. She said: "I ran upstairs when I heard the screams. I have heart problems so I just put my earphones in. It was scary. I didn't know what had happened and I haven't spoken to anyone since."
Another neighbour also told the ECHO: "I was in the kitchen when it happened. I didn't see anything but it was scary. I heard all the police and the noise. I'm just glad to hear he should be okay. It's not nice."
Following the attack, officers seized the dog and a 31-year-old woman from Norris Green was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a dangerously out-of-control dog. She was taken to a police station where she will be interviewed by detectives.
The incident is not the first dog attack in Wellesbourne Place in recent years. In December 2016 a five-year-old girl was mauled inside a relative's home causing injuries to her head, neck and hand.
Detective Inspector Chris Hawitt, said: “This incident has left a young child with serious injuries to his face and head, and will have been an extremely distressing incident for all who witnessed it. I would like to commend the neighbour whose quick thinking and selfless swift actions have probably saved the life of this young boy, who has suffered life-changing injuries.
“Our enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing, and we have seized the dog for the safety of the community and to establish its breed. We have a dedicated Sergeant who reviews all cases concerning dangerous dogs, and are keen to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the incident or this dog on previous occasions.
"I want to emphasise that dog owners need to be mindful of their dogs' behaviour at all times, particularly where young children may be around the dog. And if owners take their dogs into public spaces they should keep their pet on a lead and muzzled if it is liable to be aggressive.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 929 of 13 August or you can call or the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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