Hunt for dangerous dog launched after two-year old attacked in Morecambe

Police are appealing for the public’s help after a two year old boy was bitten by a dog as he walked with his mum in Morecambe on Tuesday (4th October).

The incident happened around 3.20pm on Westminster Road close to Bargain Booze when the child went to stroke a dog, which was roaming loose in the street.

The dog, which is believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier, attacked the little boy and bit him on the head. When the mother intervened, it then fled in the direction of Hampton Road and Balmoral Road.

The boy was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary where puncture wounds to his head were bandaged and was given injections and antibiotics. He has since returned home to Heysham.

An investigation is underway but police say the dog had no collar on and with the assistance of the dog warden they are trying to locate both the dog and its owner.

The dog is described as brindle coloured – brown with bits of gold.

PC Andy Taylor from Morecambe Police said: “This is a serious incident which could have been far worse had the boy’s mother not taken action and kicked the dog to release her child.

“I would appeal to anybody that has seen this dog in or around the Westminster Road area or believes they know who the owner is to contact police.

“I would also urge people to be vigilant and to exercise caution as this dog could still be loose in the area.

"We believe the dog is likely to live locally and if anyone does see this dog I would ask people not to approach it but to call police immediately.”

• If you have information that could assist with our investigation, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.