A POSTMAN was left needing reconstructive surgery after being attacked by Staffordshire bull terriers, police said.

Keith Chadwick was mauled by two dogs close to the Accrington home he shares with his wife and three children.

The Royal Mail worker, 36, suffered serious injuries to his face and legs and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, where he was awaiting surgery yesterday, officers said.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The animals were seized by police, who arrested a 21-year-old local man on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control.

Neighbours in Fife Street voiced their shock at the incident, which happened at around 8.30pm on Tuesday.

One said he spotted a mass of police activity outside his home while he was getting ready to go to bed. He said: “I saw there had been an incident and I came out and found out the brief details.”

The man, who did not want to be named, said Mr Chadwick had lived in Fife Street for around 15 years.

He said: “I did not see his face but it was all of the left side. His family will suffer from the trauma too.”

Fife Street, a quiet road fronted by well-kept terraced houses on one side and warden-patrolled bungalows and a green common on the other, was described by another of Mr Chadwick’s neighbours as “one where we put Christmas cards through each others’ doors”. He said: “It is a quiet neighbourhood and we have lovely neighbours. Everybody is really nice.

“Keith has had some bad luck lately, breaking his leg and being off work, and now this.”

Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “It is the responsibility of owners to keep their dogs under control. If dogs show signs of (an aggressive) inclination it is time for them to be put to sleep.

“It seems that dog attacks are becoming a regular occurrence. MPs should look at this issue again because it is worrying for residents.”