A woman is in hospital with life-changing injuries after being attacked by her American bulldog.

The dog is believed to have turned on a child in the early hours of Sunday morning before two women intervened, Nottinghamshire Police said.

The women were repeatedly bitten on the face, arms and stomach at the house in Hoylake Crescent in Bilborough, Nottingham, the force added.

Police said the dog was stabbed with a kitchen knife by another occupant in the house in order to defend those who were being attacked.

The animal was then put out in the back garden before emergency services were called.

Both women needed hospital treatment and were taken there by ambulance.

An emergency vet also attended and put the animal down due to the extent of its injuries.

Detective Inspector Jon Kerry, of Nottinghamshire’s criminal investigation department, said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for everyone involved and we are making enquiries to establish how and why it happened.

“It’s devastating that a woman has suffered such serious injuries caused by her own pet but we can only be grateful that it didn’t result in far worse consequences had the animal been able to attack the child.

“Although we don’t believe that the animal was a banned breed, this is a stark reminder to all pet owners not to take any chances with animals around children, particularly if they have ever displayed violent tendencies.”

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