Police issue update on breed of dog that attacked boys, 2 and 3

The dog is set to be destroyed after the toddlers were seriously injured

A dog which attacked two little boys has been handed over to be destroyed. At around 4pm on Thursday, May 1, the boys, aged two and three, and an 18-year-old woman, were attacked by a dog in the back garden of a house in Johnson Avenue, Prescot.

Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service were called and the two children were taken to hospital for treatment. The toddlers suffered puncture wounds and lacerations to their arms and legs.

An 18-year-old woman also suffered a minor injury to her arm. Merseyside Police have since said they believe the dog was a bulldog-type breed. It has been handed over to be “humanely destroyed”.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said enquiries into the incident remain ongoing. When the ECHO went to the scene on Thursday one resident, who asked not to be named, said the dog was a puppy and a neighbour stepped in to help.

He said: “He was a family pet. He was the most loving dog and he's been around the kids since they got him.

“He's never shown any signs of aggression other than the fact he's gone out and been playful and it's gone too far with the kids. My neighbour is the hero.

“If she hadn't got there as quick as she did and pulled the baby away, I don't know what would have happened.”

Another neighbour described how she “did all I could” to get the children away from the dog. She told the ECHO: “I was at my back door when they shouted for help. I just wish I could have moved a bit quicker. I did all I could.

“I know what I've done was good because the boys are okay. I just keep playing it over and over in my mind. The dog was just a pup.”

If you have any information about this incident, you can DM @MerPolCC on social media or call 101, quoting log number 729 of May 1. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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