A 12-year-old boy has suffered ripped tendons in his hand and a huge gash to his face after being attacked by a dog.
Jacob Attard was taken to the University Hospital of Wales during the early hours of Monday morning after the incident occurred near his home in Llanrumney , Cardiff.
The St Illtyd's Catholic High School pupil was walking home at around 9.30pm after being out with his friends when the dog approached him.
His grandmother Janet Dyer said that the family have been left "devastated".
The 58-year-old said: "My grandson was walking past a neighbour's house and a dog was off the lead and approached him and started sniffing around his feet.
"Jacob went to smooth him and he grabbed his hand and ripped the tendons on his right hand. He ripped his hand and then it jumped up and bit a chunk on his face.
"For Jacob to get free of the dog he had to jump on a car bonnet.
"The owners of the dog carried Jacob home and you could hear the screams which were horrendous.
"He has had to have an operation on his hand but until the infection goes he will still be in hospital. It was absolute chaos when he got back to the house as he was screaming and there was blood everywhere.
"He's got a massive gash under his left eye and has had to have stitches."
Since the attack Jacob, who plays for Newport County shadow squad, has been left unable to write and has been "trying to hide his face".
His mother, Sadie Attard, said: "I could hear the screams as he was coming back to the house.
"He might have permanent damage in his lip.
"He doesn't even want to go back home as he's too scared. He doesn't want to go out of his room and he's trying to hide his face
"I just feel so sorry for him."
Jacob's grandmother added: "It's going to take a lot for him to get over this.
"It is absolutely shocking because he is my daughter's only child and he's so popular and such a polite boy.
"His confidence is not good at the moment. I just hope when the scarring goes he will get his confidence back.
"We are all devastated and just so upset that it had to happen."
South Wales Police confirmed that the dog has since been seized and destroyed.
A spokeswoman for the force said: "South Wales Police is investigating after a child was injured by a dog on Burnham Avenue, Llanrumney, on Sunday night (August 25).
"The child was taken to the University Hospital of Wales where he continues to be treated for his injuries.
"The dog involved in the incident has since been seized and destroyed.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
