A schoolboy is in a serious condition in hospital after being mauled by what is believed to be an XL bully.
Merseyside Police were called to Wadham Road in Bootle just after 5.20pm on Saturday following reports a dog had bitten an eight-year-old boy to the head in the communal area of flats nearby.
The boy was rushed to hospital with serious head injuries and required emergency surgery. He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The dog, believed to be an XL bully, was seized by police at the scene. A 49-year-old woman and 30-year-old man, both from Bootle, have been arrested on suspicion of being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury. They have been taken into custody to be interviewed.
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The man and woman who were arrested are not related to the child who is injured, police said. Police have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area and all CCTV opportunities are being explored.
Officers have spoken to witnesses at the scene and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “This was a horrific attack which has left a young child requiring emergency surgery for injuries to his head. I want to reassure people that he is receiving the best possible care and treatment for his injuries, which are described as life-changing.
“We have seized the dog and extensive efforts are underway to establish exactly what happened. I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, who may have information, to come forward as soon as possible.
“This case highlights in the starkest terms the potential dangers of dogs, and I would appeal to anyone with information about dangerous dogs in their area to contact us so that we can take pro-active action.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 24000162913 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
