A MAN was left with serious injuries after being savaged by four dogs in a Blackburn park.

The 44-year-old was bitten several times as he was attacked by three Italian mastiffs and one mastiff terrier cross while walking in Witton Park.

Police were called to the Preston Old Road park at around 12.50pm on Monday after receiving reports a man had been attacked and injured by dogs.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It is understood he was set to undergo an operation yesterday on his injuries after suffering a number of puncture wounds.

Police said the dogs were seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act and were detained while the investigation continues.

Officers said the owner was co-operating with their enquiries and no arrests had been made.

Cllr Damian Talbot, executive member for the leisure for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “This is a one off incident and it’s really unfortunate.

“I would just like to pass on my sympathy to him and his family as what has happened sounds very unpleasant.”

Cllr Michael Lee, who represents the area on the council, said he was shocked by the incident.

He said: “It’s a concern what would have happened if it was a child involved.”

Cllr Jim Smith said: “I’ve found that that park has lots of responsible dog owners. I’m shocked that this sort of thing could have happened.”

A police spokesman said: “The 44-year-old man suffered puncture wounds to his arms and legs and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

“Three dogs, all Italian Mastiffs, and one cross been seized.

“The owners of the dogs have been spoken to and our enquiries are ongoing.”

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “We were called at 12.48pm to Witton Park after a man was bitten by a number of dogs.

“We took him to Royal Preston Hospital as he had puncture wounds to his arms.”