WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Antonio Quinn, 4, was left covered in blood after being attacked by two dogs. The owner of the dogs has been identified by police and is set to be spoken to
A mum was left in shock when her four year old son appeared at her doorstep with «his cheek hanging off» after being mauled by a neighbour’s dogs.
The horrific incident happend in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire when four-year-old Antonio Quinn was playing at a friend’s house on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon when he was horrifically attacked. His mother, Amanda Holmes, detailed how the children had been enjoying time in the garden before one went inside to get a drink.
It was at this moment that two dogs – identified as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier type and a Pocket Bully type – escaped the house and viciously set upon her son. Emergency services were called and he was rushed to hospital with injuries to his leg and face following the attack.
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The petrified youngster miraculously managed to flee to his home where his mum discovered him blood-soaked and with multiple dog bites to his cheeks, chin, and leg, reports Lancs Live.
Antonio was swiftly taken to Manchester Children’s Hospital for a three-hour surgery to repair his injuries. Despite the surgeons’ skilled intervention, Amanda has stated her son will be «scarred for life».
Recalling the harrowing ordeal, Amanda said: «Their son had gone in the house for a glass of juice and the dog has attacked my son. He could have lost his life.» Antonio, keen to begin swimming lessons, showed extraordinary courage, earning a certificate from hospital staff, his mum noted.
Police have confirmed the two dogs involved in the incident have been confiscated and the owner is due to be questioned in the near future. A representative for Lancashire Constabulary stated: «We’re appealing for information and footage after a child suffered a dog bite in Oswaldtwistle.
«We received a call shortly after 1.30pm on Monday May 26 following reports that a child had been bitten by a dog on Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle. The child, a four year old lad, was rushed to hospital with injuries to his leg and face. Thankfully, those injuries are not life threatening.
«Two dogs – a Staffordshire Bull Terrier type and a Pocket Bully Type – have been seized by the police, and the dog owner has been identified and will be contacted in due course.
«We understand this may be alarming to hear about, but we want to reassure you that investigations into the incident are ongoing, and we are asking for your help to assist these enquiries. We are particularly keen to view any CCTV footage of the area, that may have captured the incident. If you have any information or footage, or witnessed the incident, please ring 101 quoting log 0603 of May 26.»
