Second arrest after four-year-old boy attacked by dog in Norris Green

Officers have arrested a man after a four-year-old boy was attacked by a dog in Norris Green on Saturday, 13 August.

At around 7pm a four-year-old boy was attacked by a dog on Wellesbourne Place and remains in hospital receiving treatment. He is in a serious but stable condition.

A 33-year-old man from Fairfield was arrested yesterday (Monday 15 August) on suspicion of being in charge of an out of control dangerous dog causing injury. The suspect is still in police custody and further investigations are ongoing.

This follows the arrest of a 31-year-old woman from Norris Green on Saturday 13 August. She was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of an out of control dangerous dog causing injury and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Neil Dillon said: “This was an horrendous attack on a four-year-old boy and it is only as a result of the swift actions of a brave neighbour that this young boy is still alive.

“Although two arrests have been made, our enquiries continue and we’d still urge anyone who witnessed the incident, saw any suspicious behaviour, to please contact us so we can bring them to justice. Either tell us directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“If you were in the area of Wellesbourne Place at around 7pm and witnessed anything, or have any information about the dog in question then please come forward speak to one of our officers.

“Our officers take the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously. Over the past years we have worked proactively with the five local authorities in Merseyside to ensure prohibited dogs are taken off the streets.

"People who own or care for dogs should always make sure they are on a lead in public and should consider whether they need to be muzzled. It's also a good idea to get your dog micro-chipped so that it can always be traced if it is lost, or escapes.

"If you keep your dog in the garden, you must make sure that the fencing is properly maintained so they can't escape.”

If you witnessed the incident or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 22000593253, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.