Surgery trauma for dog bites victim

The 13-year-old boy savaged by a dog in the street near his Black Country home faces two operations on his injuries this week, his family said today.

Ellis Parkes was returning to hospital today for surgery to his right arm but the youngster has been warned that it could take months for him to recover. He was also bitten on the side and had his face marked in the attack around 7.20pm last Monday, less than 100 yards from his house in Ashbourne Road, Heath Town, Wolverhampton.

Doctors must use a tendon from the back of one of his legs to repair the damage.

The dog pounced as Ellis walked home with fellow Deansfield High School pupil Courtney Glasford. It has not been found.

Ellis' aunt Jenny Church, aged 39, of Wednesfield, said today: "The dog came up behind him and had a go at his arm for no reason. He had not done anything to provoke it.

"He squealed out in agony and the next thing he can remember is somebody putting him on the grass. We think that was one of the neighbours who wrapped a towel around his injured arm while somebody got his mother Tracey.

"It was a terrible shock. Tracey has two dogs of her own, a Staffs Rottweiler cross and an English bull terrier, so Ellis has been brought up around dogs."

Mrs Church said the family was annoyed the animal is still free. "It was either a stray or somebody is keeping it hidden."

Ellis lives with mother Tracey Collings, 40. She also has a 19-year-old son called Nicholas. Ellis went to New Cross Hospital before he was transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"He was in agony and crying his head off but there was nothing we could do to help except give him painkillers," said Mrs Church.

Police are continuing to try to trace the dog.