A young boy and his mother were rushed to hospital this afternoon after a violent dog attack on a residential street in Manchester.
The horrifying incident occurred around 2.30pm on Haverfield Road, Blackley, prompting a swift and large-scale emergency response involving armed police, the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Dog Unit, and ambulance services.
Victims Suffer Injuries – Dog Detained
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that an eight-year-old boy and a woman, believed to be his mother, were injured during the attack. Both were taken to hospital for treatment, where their injuries were assessed as not life-threatening.
“An eight-year-old boy and a woman were taken to hospital with injuries, not believed to be life-threatening,” a GMP spokesperson said.
Armed Response Vehicles and GMP Dog Unit were deployed, and the dog has been safely detained.
Residents Left Shaken as Armed Units Flood Street
The normally quiet street was plunged into chaos as armed officers and police dog units swarmed the area, quickly establishing a cordon. Multiple police vehicles and ambulances were seen at the scene, with emergency services remaining on-site for several hours to secure the area and investigate the circumstances of the attack.
Locals expressed shock, with some describing scenes of panic as officers responded swiftly to reports of a dog mauling two people in broad daylight.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed the breed of the dog, nor whether the animal is considered a banned or dangerous breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. It is also unclear at this stage whether the dog belonged to the victims or was loose at the time of the attack.
GMP said enquiries are ongoing and urged any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked fresh debate over dog safety and ownership laws, particularly as similar attacks have made headlines in recent months. One resident told reporters, “It’s terrifying to think a child and his mum can be attacked like this in our own neighbourhood.”
Call for Caution and Vigilance
The public is being reminded to report any incidents involving aggressive or uncontrolled dogs immediately by calling 999 in emergencies or contacting local police stations.
