Dogs attack three in Exmouth

Four dogs were seized after the attack

Three people have been injured after being attacked by two Staffordshire Bull Terriers in Exmouth.

A 49-year-old woman received severe facial and lower body injuries in the attack, which happened close to Nelson Drive in the seaside town at about 0945 GMT on Friday.

Two pensioners who came to help her were also injured in the incident. A 68-year-old woman lost part of her finger.

A man who was working nearby used a metal bar to fend off the attacking animals.

Court order

The man, who was carrying out building work on a house, saw what was happening and beat the dogs off.

The animals returned to where they lived nearby.

Police then ensured the dogs were kept indoors while they got a court order to remove them under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Officers and a dog warden returned to the house at about 1530 GMT and removed four adult Staffordshire Bull Terriers from the premises.

Identify dogs

The three injured people were taken to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for treatment.

As well as treating the 49-year-old woman's injuries, staff attended to the couple, a 68-year-old woman and 69-year-old man.

Both of the pensioners were badly bitten on their legs and hands.

Pc Paul Meseg from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "It will now be necessary for us to get witness statements, identify which of the four dogs were involved, and the owner will then be interviewed regarding offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act."