A MAN has been accused of possessing two dangerous dogs after a teenager suffered horrific injuries in a savage attack.

Mark Rowland, 24, of Hill Street, Baxenden, was charged today after police said an examination had found his dogs to be pit bull types banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Daniel Boardman, 19, remains in Royal Preston Hospital undergoing treatment to the injuries sustained in the attack at his home in Sands Road, Rishton.

Mr Boardman was attacked on March 14 while looking after the dogs - named Coco and Dekker - for Mr Rowland.

But they turned on him and left him with life-changing injuries.

Severe bites to his limbs, particularly on his arm, were down to his tendons and bone and have required major surgery.

Mr Boardman managed to alert police and two officers sent to the scene witnessed him being pulled in opposite directions by each dog.

They broke down the door and used their stun guns to repel the dogs and drag Mr Boardman to safety.

However, there was then a day-long siege as 60 police in riot gear, armed officers and a specialist from a zoo trained in tranquilising lions battle to get the dogs out of the house.

Eventually, officers cornered the doors to a room and the vet shot each dog with a tranquiliser dart through a panel in a bedroom door. Both dogs were then given the lethal injection.

Last night a police spokesman said: “Police have charged an Accrington man with possessing dangerous dogs following an incident in Rishton on March 14.

“Mark Rowland was charged with two counts of Possessing Dangerous Dogs and has been bailed to appear at Hyndburn Magistrates court.”

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