Man arrested after teen attacked by American Bulldog at Litherland house

The scene of the dog attack in Alpha Street, Litherland

41-year-old detained on suspicion of being in charge of dangerously out of control dog

A 41-year-old man was arrested after a teenager was savagely attacked by an American Bulldog.

The man, detained on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, voluntarily handed the animal over to the police to be destroyed.

A 13-year-old boy was taken to hospital with facial injuries after the attack on Alpha Street, Litherland, at around 7pm on Friday. He returned home later that night.

Neighbours revealed that the teenager was saved by a heroic friend who pulled the vicious dog away from its victim by bravely stepping in as the dog mauled the boy.

Neighbours who knew the teenager’s family told the ECHO he had been saved by his friend.

One parent on the street said the boy’s friend “pulled the dog off him”, claiming the victim had been saved from further injury as a result.

This story was supported by other neighbours on the street – who also revealed their fear of the dog, with one dad adding that he would “cross the road” if he ever saw the animal coming toward him on the street.

One neighbour described a huge emergency service presence on the street and claimed the boy had "lost almost all of his cheek"

Merseyside Police have confirmed that the dog involved was secured afterwards and is not a banned breed.