Boy, aged three, and grandmother in dog attack at Staffordshire farm

The boy is undergoing surgery at Birmingham Children's Hospital following the attack by the French mastiff at the remote farm, believed to be in the Stone area.

The youngster's grandmother also suffered several bites marks as she tried to protect him during the incident on Wednesday evening.

Staffordshire Police said a man has been arrested in connection with the attack.

The emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the dog apparently escaped from its pen and went for the child and his grandmother, who were in the yard.

The force said the youngster is in a stable condition at Birmingham Children's Hospital, but undergoing surgery. His injuries are not considered to be life threatening.

His grandmother was taken to the Royal Stoke Hospital and is also recovering after an operation to treat her wounds.

The dog has since been destroyed and a man, aged in his 60s, has been arrested and bailed under section 3A of the Dangerous Dogs Act while an investigation into the incident is carried out.

Insp Bob Champeau, of Staffordshire Police, said: "This was a very distressing incident for those involved to deal with, the family are understandably shocked and upset.

"Police and ambulance crews attending had to work quickly with those at the farm to bring the dog under control before they were able to treat the two injured people.

"We arranged for a vet to attend to deal with the dog and a specialist officer trained in dealing with dangerous dogs was also involved in our response. It's our role now to support those injured and their family whilst we establish the circumstances which led to the dog attacking them.

"The incident occurred in an isolated location and no other members of the community were put at risk. A full examination of the scene has also taken place.

"Both of those injured are expected to remain in hospital for the next few days."