Families told to 'stay in their homes' as dogs attack man in street

Families were told to 'stay in their homes' while police tried to capture two dogs after a man was attacked in the street.

Officers from Merseyside Police were called to the scene, around Mount Pleasant Avenue, St Helens, after reports two American bulldogs were running loose.

A man, in his 40s, was attacked by one of the dogs and was left with puncture wounds to his chest.

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Police believe his injuries are not life threatening.

At around 8.40pm, on Monday, August 23, police, assisted by the National Police Air Service helicopter, attended the scene to track down the two dogs.

One of the dogs was seized by officers but the second dog has not yet been found.

Armed police at Havannah Lane after a man was bitten by a dog near to Mount Pleasant Avenue (Gareth Pearson)

A witness, who lives in the area, claimed officers told residents to stay indoors and to not approach the dog if they see it.

Gareth Pearson, 25, the ECHO : "When they initially arrived there were three cars, one flew down the road and drove onto the field the other two stopped someone cycling down the path by sounding their horns frantically.

"Then additional police started to arrive and they started to shout at people on the street to get indoors.

"After the helicopter had been circling for a while a large group of armed police started making their way down the foot path with riot shields and dog handlers."

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "We were contacted at 8.40pm last night, Monday 23rd August, following reports that two American bulldogs were running loose in Mount Pleasant Avenue in St Helens.

"It was also reported that a member of the public had been bitten by one of the dogs.

"The man, in his 40s, went to hospital for treatment for puncture wounds to his chest. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

"One of the dogs was seized by officers at the scene. An extensive search of the area, assisted by at National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, was carried out but the second dog was not located.

"Enquiries remain ongoing to trace the second dog and locate the owners.

"Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 21000588182."

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