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Police were called to a street in Falmouth after a Staffordshire bull terrier injured a man and other dogs in a “ferocious” New Year’s Day attack.

The dog is believed to have escaped from a nearby garden before it went on the rampage.

Steve Strachan, from Falmouth, was walking his three dogs along the town’s Avenue Road on Tuesday morning when he saw the bull terrier wandering along the street on its own.

“I noticed the dog was in front of me,” Steve said. “A couple were behind the dog walking their Jack Russell, and the Staffordshire bull terrier just stopped and walked behind the couple, before locking the Jack Russell in its mouth. It just picked it up in its mouth.

“The owner of the Jack Russell kicked the Staffie to get it to let go of his dog, and I ran up and helped to wrestle the Staffie to the ground.

(Image: Getty)

“It took an eternity to free the dog out of its mouth. Apparently the Jack Russell might have to have one of its legs amputated.

“There were about 20 witnesses to the attack. It was really ferocious, these Staffies are so strong. Generally I don't have a problem with them."

Once the Jack Russell was freed the bull terrier turned on Mr Strachan’s “terrified” dog, a Dachshund Collie Mix, which had slipped out of its collar amidst the chaos.

“The Staffie turned on her, but one of my other dogs, a Collie, bit the Staffie before it managed to get a good clean grip," Steve said.

“It didn’t seem to want to take on a dog the same size, it was a bully taking on the small dog.”

Eventually Steve and others were able to put a collar and lead on the bull terrier.

After around 20 minutes police officers arrived at the scene and returned the dog to its owner, who lives nearby.

Police confirmed that at least one dog was taken to a vet for treatment, while a man sustained injuries to his hands.

“It was really scary, I didn’t have time to think about it," Steve added. "I saw a dog in danger and I didn’t want to put my dogs in harm’s way, but adrenaline kicks in and you do what you think is best at the time.

“Once I had calmed down I went down to Gyllyngvase beach, because I felt really emotional. You just don’t experience that sort of thing often."

Steve said he was surprised to see police officers returning the dog to its owner.

“I was shocked that it was just given back to the owner after the violence involved,” he said. “I thought it would be taken away.”

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the incident is being investigated.

"Police were called at around 12.15pm on Tuesday (January 1) following reports of a dog out of control on Avenue Road, Falmouth.

“It was reported that the dog had caused injury to other dogs and a man.

“Members of the public put a collar and lead on the dog.

“The injured dogs were taken to the vet to be checked over. The injured man was reported to have sustained injuries to his hands.

“Officers returned the dog to its owner.”