28 February 2023 , 21:47
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A window cleaner who was mauled by a dog while he was out on a walk said it was like he was being attacked by a bear.
Keith Richards was left needing hospital treatment after a pitbull reportedly launched a vicious attack on him while he walked his border terrier in Wallsend, on the evening of February 14.
The 44-year-old shared pictures of his horrifying injuries, with police investigating the incident that left Keith with cuts and bruises to the right of his body.
Keith arrived at hospital with bites on his right underarm, shoulder blade, collarbone, and to the right side of his torso after the 10-minute ordeal.
He has also been left unable to work while his injuries heal, and faced the possibility of needing plastic surgery.
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"I was walking my dog on Archer Street when I saw a lass holding on for dear life to a pitbull," Keith said.
"It got out of her hands and had no muzzle on. I threw my dog onto the top of the car and then the pitbull went absolutely berserk and began ripping me to pieces.
Injuries to Keith's underarm following the 10 minute attack (chroniclelive)
Horrific bite marks and bruises to the right side of Keith's body (chroniclelive)"All of the people who were trying to help had to run back into their houses because it was going for them," reports Chronicle Live.
Keith said the woman with the dog, and the three other people she was with, left the scene after the attack. He contacted the police immediately after the incident and went to the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVI) the following day.
"I realised my injuries were that bad that I had to go to hospital," Keith said.
"It looks like I have been attacked by a bear. I have been to the RVI twice and have quite a few puncture wounds. Doctors have talked about me needing plastic surgery.
"It has bitten three big chunks out of me. One of the marks is near my collarbone. If it had [attacked] a shorter person it could have killed them."
Keith has now been left unable to work and could need plastic surgery in the future (chroniclelive)Northumbria Police said it launched an investigation into the incident and urged anyone with information to come forward.
A force spokesperson said: “At around 8.40pm on February 14, police received a report a dangerous dog had bitten a man in North Tyneside. It was reported a 44-year-old was walking on Archer Street when a group with a Pit Bull passed him.
“The dog has then attacked the man, causing injuries to his right-hand side. The group have left the scene without assisting the man.
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“An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police using the “Tell us Something” page of our website, quoting crime reference 019697X/23.”