A FOUR-year-old boy was today having surgery on neck, face and head injuries caused when his uncle's dog went for his throat.

Daniel Lord was stroking the Bedlington cross lurcher on the doorstep of his home in Moorland Road, Burnley, when it attacked him.

Daniel screamed as his uncle Lee Bradbury and his mum Hayley fought to pull off the animal, called Laddie.

The terrified boy suffered a deep gash to his neck and scalp and puncture wounds to his neck, face and head.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital and later transferred to Blackburn Royal Infirmary to a specialist unit where he was today having surgery.

The attack happened at about 10.30am yesterday. Paramedics treatment Daniel at the scene.

Insp John Grice said the dog had been taken to the vet's to be destroyed.

It is unlikely that any further action will be taken.

Daniel's dad Darren Lord, a builder, was at work when the incident happened.

Before setting off back to hospital today, he said: "Lee called round and Daniel was on the front doorstep stroking the dog when it attacked him.

"He has a long, deep cut to his neck and a large cut on his head. He also has cuts around his ear and eye."

Despite the extent of his injuries, Mr and Mrs Lord have been told that he could be allowed home soon.

Mr Lord said Laddie had been a working dog used for hunting hares.

He said: "We have often been out with it. Daniel knows it and it has always been a very friendly animal."

Mr Lord keeps two terriers which were not involved in the incident.

Daniel is due to start school at Rosehill Junior School near his home in two weeks time.

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