Dog put down in Middlesbrough after woman and pet attacked

Two people have been arrested after a pit bull-type dog attacked a woman and seriously injured her pet.

The unaccompanied dog attacked the victim's pet, near Hemlington Lake in Middlesbrough on Sunday, leaving it requiring emergency veterinary treatment.

Cleveland Police said the woman received hospital treatment after being bitten and due to the "potential risk to other people in the immediate area" a specially trained officer had to put the pit bull-type dog down near the scene.

The force said a man and a woman in their 30s were arrested in connection with the incident and have since been bailed.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland said: "We understand anyone who witnessed the initial attack or the aftermath may have experienced shock or distress, however, the safety of the public is always paramount."

The force has launched an appeal for information and is in contact with experts who will carry out tests to establish the breed of the dog which carried out the attack.

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