An eight-year-old boy has been admitted to hospital with life-changing injuries after yet another horrific XL Bully attack.
Merseyside Police made two arrests after the child sustained serious head wounds in Bootle.
Officers were called to Wadham Road just after 5.20pm on Saturday following an incident in the communal area of flats nearby.
The boy was transferred to a local hospital and remains in a serious but stable condition.
Officers were called to Wadham Road just after 5.20pm on Saturday following an incident in the communal area of flats nearby.
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A woman, 49, and a man, 30, both from Bootle, were arrested on suspicion of being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury.
The pair are not related to the eight-year-old boy.
The dog, which is believed to have been an XL Bully, was seized by police.
Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “This was a horrific attack which has left a young child requiring emergency surgery for injuries to his head.
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Owners of XL Bully dogs have until January 31 to apply for an exemption certificate to keep their dog (stock pic)PA“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.
“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.”
Merseyside Police has carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area as part of its investigation.
Another angle of Wadham Road in Bootle
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Officers are also appealing for further witnesses to come forward and for anyone who may be able to assist enquiries to contact police.
Ownership of XL Bully dogs was restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 following a spate of violent attacks last year.
It is against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL Bully.
Owners are also required to obtain an exemption certificate to keep XL Bullies on a lead and muzzled in public.
The Government said it has received more than 35,000 applications for exemption.