A man and woman have been rushed to hospital after being savaged by a dog in Worcester.
Emergency services raced to reports of an out-of-control animal attacking occupants of a house at around 9.10am today.
Neighbours told how they heard shouting before seeing a man leaving the house with a hammer in his hand.
Police arrived to find the dog dead, and administered first aid to the victims before rushing them to hospital.
A 68-year-old woman suffered "potentially life-changing" injuries while a 38-year-old man has serious injuries.
Another man was treated for injuries "not believed to be serious" and was discharged at the scene.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "We are currently on scene at a house on following a report of injuries to the occupants caused by a dog at the premises.
"Officers were called to the scene at 9.10am and carried out first aid on two people until paramedics arrived.
"A 68-year-old woman has been taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham with life-threatening injuries. A 38-year-old man has been taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital with injuries which are not life-threatening.
"The dog was dead when officers arrived, and we can confirm there is no further risk to members of public."
In an update at around 1pm, the force added: "Thankfully the woman’s injuries are no longer considered life threatening. However, they are potentially life changing."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman earlier said: “On arrival, crews discovered three patients; two men and a woman.
“The woman was treated by ambulance crews and medics for serious injuries before being conveyed via land ambulance to University Hospital Birmingham for further treatment; Midlands Air Ambulance medics travelled on board to provide continued treatment en route.
“One of the men was treated for serious injuries before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital by land ambulance.
“The second man was treated for injuries not believed to be serious but did not wish to go to hospital and so was given self-care advice before being discharged at the scene.”
One neighbour said: "I heard shouting at about 8.30am, then it went quiet and then it started again.
"I heard the noise and looked up and down the road and no police cars were there. I then saw a man leave the house and he had a hammer in his hand and when police arrived he sat on the floor in relief.
"There were around 10 police cars an ambulance, air ambulance and a black unmarked car which had two police officers come out of it with guns."
Another added: "It is shocking and frightening that something like that has happened."
