Suspected banned dog seized following attack near Thatto Heath park

Officers have seized a suspected pit bull breed following an incident near Thatto Heath park on Saturday 21 May.

At around 1.35pm it was reported that a woman had been bitten while attempting to restrain her suspected pit bull dog on Elm Road as it was attacking a greyhound.

The suspected pit bull, which was off its lead, then ran off but was later secured by its other owner, a man in his 60s, on Crossley Road.

The owner, a 60-year-old woman, sustained injuries to two fingers and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The greyhound dog was taken for veterinary treatment for a broken jaw, fractured teeth and wounds to her back.

Officers have seized the dog, which is believed to be a pit bull type banned breed. The owner will attend a police interview at a later date.

Community Policing Inspector Stacey Pope said: “This incident would have been traumatic for both the owner who sustained serious injuries to her fingers, and the owner of the greyhound who was left very distressed.

“Thankfully the suspected pit bull was caught a short time later before it could cause further harm to anyone else, and has now been seized.

“Merseyside Police takes such incidents seriously and will take any necessary action to keep our communities safe. We have a dedicated Sergeant who reviews all cases concerning dogs.

“Pit bull type dogs are a banned breed and classed as a dangerous dog. They are not designed to be family pets and pose a danger to the public.

“Anyone walking their dog in a public place should be aware of their dog’s behaviour and keep it on a lead if it is liable to be aggressive towards other park users – regardless of their breed.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident or with any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 22000349719.

You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.