A ROTTWEILER responsible for attacking five dogs and a woman on a three-hour rampage in Oswaldtwistle has been put down.

Police have confirmed the dog has been destroyed with the permission of its owner.

The owner has been interviewed but no decision has yet been taken on whether they will be charged with an offence as police say the animal's escape was accidental.

Armed police were called to a garden in Wordsworth Close, Oswaldtwistle, after a series of violent incidents involving the dog last week. It was eventually taken to kennels after being drugged.

Sgt Claire Holbrook of Accrington Police said: "The dog was put down on Wednesday and the owner agreed to the dog's destruction.

"We are not sure whether the owner will face criminal proceedings as yet and we are awaiting advice from the Crown Prosecution Service on that issue.

"We are satisfied that the event was a purely accidental escape and we are grateful to Myerscough Vets and the public for their help on that day."

Diana Whalley was bitten on the ankle while walking her two dogs, Taz a two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, and five-year-old collie cross Rocky. Taz has had to be treated for a bite on his tail sustained in the attack but not spotted until later.

Mrs Whalley said: "It's good but I'm sorry as well. It wasn't really the dog's fault, but it was dangerous."

The 49-year-old, of Banbury Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, is still receiving hospital treatment for her wound and said she is now nervous about walking her dogs.

"I did walk the dogs the other day and I was looking over my shoulder. I can't go past the park where it happened. I have changed my route. Taz has lost all the hair on the part of his tail where he was bitten. It's a mess," she said.

Jean Newton's 11-year-old West Highland terrier Sally had to be put down because of injuries sustained in an attack while she was being walked close to her home, in Banbury Avenue, Oswaldtwistle.

Mrs Newton, 65, said: "It's good news but it's bad news really. I have cried for a week then suddenly you stop crying and think 'I want a bit of peace.' It's such a shame but now I feel I have some peace, that Sally didn't die in vain.

"At least the dog won't bother anyone else."

Lynette Evans' three-year-old Jack Russel was lucky not to lose a leg in the attack.

Lynette, 39, from Wordsworth Close, said: "This is justice and I think the right thing has been done.

"A child could have been killed in an attack like that."