Two Arrested After Dog Mauls Young Boy in Merseyside
In a distressing incident, two individuals have been apprehended following a vicious dog attack on a young boy in Merseyside. The child sustained severe injuries to his cheek and nose during the assault, which occurred last night while he was in the company of friends.
The alarming incident took place on Merlin Road, Oxton, shortly before 6pm. The young victim was promptly transported to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention.
Merseyside authorities swiftly responded to the situation, proceeding to a local residence and taking possession of the dog responsible for the attack, which was subsequently humanely euthanized.
A 22-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, residents of Beechwood and Oxton, were taken into custody on suspicion of being in control of a dangerously unruly dog in a public area.
Detective Inspector Phil Ryan expressed his concerns, stating, “This was a terrifying event involving a young boy who was in the company of other children when he was bitten by a dog on Merlin Road. Fortunately, no one else was harmed during the incident, and the young victim is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.”
Ryan further added, “While two individuals have been arrested, our investigators are diligently examining the circumstances surrounding the incident on Merlin Road. We urge anyone present at the scene who witnessed the attack to contact the police. We have a specialized team that reviews all cases related to aggressive dogs and seek the assistance of anyone possessing potentially crucial information.”
In response to this incident, Ryan emphasized the importance of dog owners closely monitoring their pets’ behavior, especially when in public spaces. He advised, “If you own or are responsible for dogs prone to aggression, ensure they are in a secure area and use a leash or muzzle when in public.”
Individuals with information pertaining to this incident are encouraged to contact the authorities at 101, referencing incident number 23000845602, or to reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.