09/08/2011

Boy Mauled By Rottweiler In Southend

A seven-year-old boy has received serious arm and back injuries after being mauled by a Rottweiler on Southend seafront.

The boy, who is from Westcliff, was paddling in the sea on Eastern Esplanade in the area opposite the turning for Chelsea Avenue at around 4.15pm on Friday.

A man then came along the beach with two Rottweilers, which both ran into the water where the boy was playing and one of them mauled the child.

His grandmother managed to pull the dog away, but both the dogs and their owner ran back onto the promenade, then over the road and up Chelsea Avenue towards Southchurch park.

The boy sustained around 20 wounds to his torso and arms, including a two-inch cut to his forearm. He underwent surgery and remains in hospital.

The dog walker is described as a black man in his 30s, about 6ft 4ins tall and of slim build with short black hair. He was wearing a blue top and jeans and is believed to live in Southend.

PC Rob Kirk from Essex Police said: "The boy's grandmother had to physically pull the dog from the boy for fear it was going to drown the child or continue to bite him to death. It must have been a terrifying ordeal of all concerned.

"Someone out there must know someone fitting this description who walks two Rottweiler dogs. He allowed this dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place and young lad has been left with horrific injuries, both physical and emotional I am sure.

"Please tell me who this dog walker is so we can take appropriate action to ensure it does not happen again."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 0300 3334444.

(KMcA/BMcC)

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