Nine-year-old boy attacked by dog

A nine-year-old boy is recovering at home after he suffered "serious facial injuries" when he was attacked by a dog on Tyneside.

The boy was bitten by a "Staffordshire-type Bull Terrier" in South Shields, police said.

He was taken to South Tyneside General Hospital following the attack on Tuesday in Masefield Drive.

An 18-year-old local man was arrested and bailed over the incident and the animal was later destroyed.

Investigations continue

The boy was released from South Tyneside District Hospital on Tuesday evening, but was due to see a specialist plastic surgeon on Wednesday.

Northumbria Police said the dog was destroyed after the owner gave consent.

The 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

A police spokesman said: "The owner of the dog has now paid to have the dog destroyed, which was done on Wednesday morning.

"The injured boy was released from hospital, but will be seeing a plastic surgeon this morning."

Officers have appealing for witnesses to the attack.