A mum had a lucky escape when a vicious dog sank its teeth into her leg and shook it "like a ragdoll" - leaving her pouring with blood.
Victoria Ineson, 36, was on her way to her mum's house in Netherley when she was attacked by a pair of out-of-control Boxers, which had escaped their home and were running free on Tuffins Corner and Garden Lodge Grove at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, June 15.
The mum of three, from Garston, had been listening to music when she was alerted to the two dogs by some people shouting from a nearby garden.
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She said: "At first I thought nothing of it, because I'm a big dog lover and you often see people letting their dogs out for a wander around here. I took my earbuds out of my ears, and they shouted 'the dogs are attacking people'.
"The dogs ran over to me and I just froze on the spot. I can't run fast and I didn't want to try to challenge them and make things even worse. At first all they did was sniff my boot. I didn't make any sudden movements or scream. Then one of the dogs took a jump back, and it bit the back of my thigh.
"Then, I'm not sure if it was the same dog or the other one, but one of them chomped onto my left leg and started shaking it around like a ragdoll and trying to drag me to the floor. I was just trying to stay on my feet and get away."
She tried to scare the dogs away by throwing a can of pop, while people in nearby gardens threw sticks and stones.
She said: "Despite everything I wasn't hitting the dog itself, because I thought if I lashed out it could grab my arm and drag me to the floor. The people in the garden were throwing rocks, and eventually the dog let go and I dragged myself into the garden."
No sooner had she escaped the animals, the pair turned their attention to a 12-year-old boy who walked by.
Victoria said: "I went to run out to grab the dogs, but my leg felt really heavy, and when I looked down it was in a bad way. It was all swollen and I had fatty tissue all over my leg. Blood was pouring down my leg. My white trainers were saturated with blood.
"I turned and shouted to the boy to come to the garden. The dog was grabbing his bag, and we were shouting 'just drop the bag and run'."
She said a number of people bravely rushed out to help the boy, lifting him up to safety while others chased the dogs off using sticks.
Police were called, and she was taken to Whiston Hospital, where she was given a tetanus injection and a round of antibiotics to treat her wound. Three other people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
The Boxer dogs were seized and taken to secure kennels as police carried out CCTV and witness enquiries in the area.
Inspector Joanne Jacob said: “This was a shocking and traumatic attack that has left several residents in the area with multiple injuries. Whilst we continue to investigate this incident we can confirm the two dogs were seized shortly after the attack and are confirmed to be the Boxer breed.
"I want to emphasize that dog owners need to be mindful of their dogs' behaviours at all times, particularly when they are outside. If you are a dog owner or anyone who is looking after any dogs that are liable to be aggressive please make sure they are in a protected space and on a lead or muzzled if out in public.”
Victoria said: "I should have had my two-year-old son with me at the time, and I've had nightmares about what might've happened if he'd been with me.
"My leg is really sore and it's still weeping through my bandage, but I'm keeping on top of it. But mentally, I've rarely been sleeping and I've been reliving the situation in my mind. I'm terrified to go near a dog now. My next door neighbour has a small dog, and every time I hear her barking I jump.
"I just consider myself lucky that it was me and not one of my kids. (My leg) is still numb at the moment, so I'm not sure if I have any long-term damage. Physically I think it will be OK, but mentally I think it will take longer."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 23000516852, or call or the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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