11 February 2024 , 07:52
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A young boy was rushed to hospital with serious head wounds feared to be life-changing after he was attacked by an XL Bully, as police made two arrests.
Officers were called to Wadham Road just after 5.20pm on Saturday following a report the dog had bitten an eight-year-old boy on his head in the communal area of flats nearby. He was taken to hospital for treatment for serious head injuries, where he remains in a serious but stable condition. Officers attended and seized the dog, which is believed to be an XL Bully.
A woman, 49, 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. They are not related to the child who is injured.
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 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.
Woman mauled to death while walking pack of dogs was ‘killed by own Bully XL’
"This case highlights in the starkest terms the potential dangers of dogs. I would appeal to anyone with information about dangerous dogs in their area to contact us so that we can take pro-active action."
Officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area. Local CCTV opportunities is being checked a number of witnesses have been spoken to at the scene. Police are appealing for further witnesses to come forward and for anyone who may be able to assist enquiries to contact police.