The family of an autistic 11-year-old boy who was mauled by a dog when playing out with friends have said they are 'thankful he is still alive' following the ordeal.
Emergency services raced to Swanley Avenue in Monsall on Sunday afternoon (June 4) following reports the youngster was attacked by a dog, with an air ambulance also scrambled to the scene and landing near the Queens Hotel and Pub.
Horrified residents watched on as some told of the 'screams' they heard following the attack that left the boy, named Ali, 'seriously injured' in hospital.
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Now, Ali's sister has spoken to the Manchester Evening News about the ordeal and shared the horrific pictures of his injuries with their parent's permission.
His sister, 18, said: "A little girl knocked on the door and asked if he could play outside but my mum said no at first because he is scared of dogs. He went out to play because he felt safer with the other girl there.
"My mum thought everything was fine but then he started banging on the front door. My brother was asleep upstairs and heard him screaming and ran downstairs and called the ambulance. They came really quickly."
Greater Manchester Police later confirmed the dog had been seized by officers however the breed has not yet been confirmed.
Little Ali, who has autism, was rushed to hospital by paramedics with serious but not life-threatening injuries. His family say that as well as a ravaged cheek, he had scratches up and down his arms and on his hands that were bleeding.
"His face was really bad. He was bleeding everywhere," his sister added. "The police closed off the road. There was so much happening my mum didn't know what to do.
"His clothes were all ripped up and he had scratches all over his arms. It was just horrible and absolutely traumatising. They've said he could be in hospital for another week or so.
"At the moment he seems okay, but is still very shaken. It was so close to his eye, we are so thankful he is still alive."
A woman, aged 35, was arrested on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control and was taken into custody. Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for updates on the investigation.
Superintendent Nicola Williams of GMP City of Manchester Division previously said: “This is an awful attack that has left an 11-year-old boy with serious injuries and his family are understandably incredibly distressed by what has happened.
“I understand the concern an incident of this nature will cause in the wider community, and I want to reassure you that we will carry out an extensive investigation into what has happened.
“The dog has been secured and we have made an arrest of a woman who remains in police custody. Our investigation is in its early stages, but we are seeking to understand the full circumstances and will take appropriate action.
“We are appealing to anyone with information, who witnessed this incident, or has footage - including CCTV, mobile or dashcam – to make themselves known."
You can make a report by calling 0161 856 1146 quoting log 1530 of 4 June 2023, or you can use the LiveChat function on GMP’s website: www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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