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A young boy suffered horrific injuries when he was mauled by a dog as he played in the street.

Lewis Moffatt was playing in Kirkdale, Merseyside, with his school friend on Saturday, June 1, when he was set upon by an American pit bull.

The dog sunk its teeth into the seven-year-old's back, leaving him with horrific injuries, captured in a series of upsetting photos taken by his mum Joanne Baines, the Liverpool Echo reports.

Lewis was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool where he received treatment for his wounds - but the attack meant he missed watching his beloved Reds lift the European Cup.

His hospital stay lasted until Monday morning, meaning he also missed out on the victory parade which passed within sight of the hospital.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

The young fan had been playing in his Liverpool shirt which was ripped to shreds as the dog mauled him in the street.

Mum Joanne said: "On Saturday my little boy had gone around to a friend's for dinner in the next street. The boys go to school together.

"They were playing on Delmore Street and my friend was in the front garden watching them on a little patch of grass.

"There was a big pit bull in the corner and it chased him, pinned him down and bit into him.

"It really got hold of him. He had to have all his wounds cleaned out. We were in hospital from Saturday night until Monday.

"He missed the match and then the parade. He's been gutted over it. He just keeps saying that he hopes nothing happened to the dog, and he doesn't want to go out or anything."

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Joanne, 36, added: "I only want other kids to be aware in the area because I wouldn't want it to happen to anyone else's child. I've never experienced anything like this in my life. I'm still in a daze."

Speaking about Lewis missing the parade, she added: "When we were in hospital I'd go out for a ciggie and the crowds were amazing.

"If we were on the other side of the building he would have been able to see it."

Lewis was able to catch a minute of the parade on a computer in the hospital but then missed the rest of it, which left the little Liverpool fan devastated.

Joanne said: "He was going mad for Mo Salah so I've just ordered him a new Liverpool kit because he had his on when it happened."

Joanne praised the work of the emergency services and hospital staff in responding to the attack and caring for Lewis.

Merseyside Police Inspector John Whittingham said: “We are keen to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the incident or this dog on previous occasions.

"I want to emphasise that anyone walking their dog needs to be mindful of their dogs' behaviour at all times and keep their pet on a lead if it is liable to be aggressive.

"Children should be able to play outside free of the fear of being attacked in this way and we will not tolerate irresponsible dog ownership on Merseyside."

A spokesman for Merseyside Police added: "The American pit bull dog and its owner were located, and the dog – which is not a banned breed – was signed over for destruction.

"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing."