The dog that is believed to have viciously attacked and hospitalised a four-year-old boy in Norris Green at the weekend is believed to have been pictured for the first time.
The child, who was left with significant injuries to his head and face in the incident, was rescued from the shocking incident by neighbours.
It’s thought that the aggressive animal responsible is a Bullmastiff-type breed and its owner has since been arrested.
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The horrendous attack occurred at Wellesbourne Place in Norris Green at around 7pm on Saturday, August 13, reports the LiverpoolEcho.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Thanks to the help of neighbours, the dog was pulled away from the boy and he is then believed to have been taken to hospital by car.
The boy, who is believed to have been visiting a friend’s house, has serious injuries and his condition is said to be serious but stable.
Police have since confirmed a 33-year-old man from Fairfield was arrested yesterday (August 15) on suspicion of being in charge of an out-of-control dangerous dog causing injury.
The suspect is still in police custody and further investigations are ongoing.
A 31-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of being in charge of an out-of-control dangerous dog causing injury and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Detective Inspector Neil Dillon said: “This was a horrendous attack on a four-year-old boy and it is only as a result of the swift actions of a brave neighbour that this young boy is still alive. The four-year-old has sustained significant injuries to his head and face.
“I would like to reassure everyone that we are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances of the incident. If you were in the area of Wellesbourne Place at around 7pm and witnessed anything, or have any information about the dog in question then please come forward to speak to one of our officers.
“Our officers take the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously. Over the past years we have worked proactively with the five local authorities in Merseyside to ensure prohibited dogs are taken off the streets.
“People who own or care for dogs should always make sure they are on a lead in public and should consider whether they need to be muzzled. It’s also a good idea to get your dog micro-chipped so that it can always be traced if it is lost, or escapes.
“If you keep your dog in the garden, you must make sure that the fencing is properly maintained so they can’t escape.”
If you witnessed the incident or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 22000593253, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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