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Residents on Maple Street in Ashington, Northumberland heard the boy’s cry as the dog went for him just before 4.30pm on Sunday (October 22).
He remains in hospital with serious injuries and the dog, believed to be a Staffie, has since been seized by police.
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“The dog was biting the boy and he was screaming,” Neighbour Dayo Asaolu told the Echo.
“I think the bite was on the back of his leg.
“It went on for some minutes and then they chased the dog inside and called the police and ambulance.
“There was lots of people out on the street.”
Neighbours helped get the vicious animal off the boy as he played in the street.
The dog is believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier. Northumbria Police said a further assessment will be carried out to confirm its breed as part of their investigation.
The boy, five, was taken to the RVI for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said there are always kids playing out in the street.
They said: “I’d been at my dads when I came home and saw all the commotion with the ambulances.
“I’ve lived here 30 years and it’s the worst it’s ever been. I didn’t even know there was a dog along there.
“There are always kids playing in the street.”
Others living nearby told how they heard of the news on social media.
A force spokesperson said: “Officers attended the scene where – in agreement with the owner – the dog in question was seized by police in order to protect the public.
“While further assessment will be carried out, officers believe the dog to be a Staffordshire bull terrier breed. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
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“A five-year-old boy was taken to hospital where he currently remains for treatment. His injuries are described as serious but non-life-threatening.”
In a statement, an ambulance service spokesperson added: “We were called to an incident on Maple Street, Ashington, yesterday (22 October) shortly after 4pm. We dispatched one ambulance crew and transported the patient to RVI Hospital.”
It comes just weeks after a fatal dog attack in Shiney Row, Sunderland which saw victim Ian Langley mauled to death by an XL Bully. The 54-year-old, known as Scouse, was walking his Patterdale terrier puppy close to his home when he was attacked.
Northumbria Police initially arrested a 44-year-old man on suspicion of Mr Langley’s murder. He was later released on bail. Officers today (October 23) confirmed he remains on bail and enquiries are ongoing.
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