Grandmother saves boy from rottweiler

A grandmother has saved her seven-year-old grandson from a rottweiler attack on a beach.

The boy suffered serious arm and back injuries when he was mauled by the animal on the seafront at Southend, Essex. He was paddling on the Eastern Esplanade at about 4.15pm on Friday when a man walked past with two rottweilers. One of the dogs grabbed hold of the child, forcing him under the water. His grandmother pulled the animal away and the owner and the dogs ran back on to the promenade.

The boy suffered about 20 puncture wounds to his torso and arms. He has had two operations.

Pc Rob Kirk said: "The boy's grandmother had to physically pull the dog from the boy for fear it was going to drown the child or continue to bite him to death."