Elderly Man Bitten by Dog in Southport, Sparking Police Investigation Amidst Rising Attack Concerns

In Southport, an elderly man was bitten by a dog while trying to protect his own pet. The incident occurred in Kew Woods on Thursday morning. The man, in his seventies, sustained multiple bites to his wrist and required hospital treatment.

According to Merseyside Police, the man was walking his dog when a German Shepherd approached and attempted to attack his dog. When the man intervened, the German Shepherd turned on him. The dog and its owner subsequently left the scene, exiting through a nearby garden center car park.

The victim is now recuperating at home. Police are actively investigating the incident, seeking to locate both the dog and its owner. The owner is described as a white man also in his seventies. Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy has urged anyone with information about the incident or the dog's owner to come forward immediately.

This incident follows a recent case in Swindon where a man in his fifties suffered serious injuries from a dog attack. In that instance, firearms officers were called to the scene, and a 24-year-old woman was arrested.

The incidents highlight a broader concern about dog attacks. Recent data indicates a significant number of reported attacks across England and Wales, particularly since the introduction of the XL Bully ban. The ban was implemented following a rise in fatalities caused by dog bites. Hospital admissions for dog bites also saw a substantial increase.