A NINE year old boy is recovering in hospital after being savaged by a dog - despite his brothers brave attempts to fend off the animal.

The vicious mongrel raced up to a group of youngsters in Westy Park and targeted Christopher Maher biting his arm and leg.

Horrified Andrew Maher, aged 13, tried in vain to rescue his brother by shielding him from the frenzied dog, but was knocked to the floor.

The dog-owner arrived on the scene as the attack was taking place and attempted to remove the dog from Christopher by beating it with a walking stick, but to no avail.

Christopher, of Larkfield Road, Paddington, was taken to Warrington Hospital suffering from a severe wound to the leg, bites to his arm and a facial cut.

He was later transferred to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, in Liverpool, where he underwent surgery on Wednesday evening. His condition is described as stable.

The attack happened at 3pm, on Tuesday, July 27, and an ambulance was called by staff at Westy Community Centre. The dog, a Staffordshire bull-terrier cross believed to be call 'Vac', was later destroyed by police at the owner's request.

The two boys had been staying with their grandparents, Westy councillor Michael Maher and his wife Pat, at Tilston Avenue and had gone to Westy Park to play.

Grandfather Michael Maher said: "I am really proud of Andrew. He reacted so bravely to jump in front of the dog to try and protect his brother.

"I would like to thank the community centre staff as well because they were super. They not only gave Chris first aid, but also managed to calm Andrew down because he was obviously in shock."

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