12-year-old boy and a woman injured in dog attack in Oldham as person arrested

Police and paramedics have blocked a road in Oldham this afternoon (October 22) following a dog attack.

A number of emergency services vehicles have been pictured at the scene along Meldrum Street, near Alexandra Park responding to the incident. A 12-year-old boy has been left with life-changing injuries.

The emergency services vehicles, including police vans and ambulances, can be seen lining the street as onlookers watch on. A witness has also said forensic teams are at the scene.

A spokesperson for GMP said: "At 11:23am this morning (Sunday 22 October) Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a dog attack on Villa Road, Oldham.

"Emergency services attended and a 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries, believed to be life changing. A 31-year-old woman also received injuries, which are not thought to be life changing/threatening.

"Armed Response Vehicles and GMP Dog Unit were deployed, and the dog has been safely detained."

Police also confirmed that a woman, aged 43, has been arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a dangerously out of control dog. The dog has been 'safely detained'.

This is a breaking incident. Live updates to follow below.

Another nearby resident, who did want to be named, said: ”I was in the living room and I heard screaming. We just thought it was kids playing. But then someone from outside rang me and said something was going on.

"There were people with sticks trying to get the dog away and stop it attacking."

An eyewitness said the dog was 'pumped up and aggressive' at the time of the attack.

"He was screaming. People came out, the locals. People had broomsticks and things like that trying to fend the dog off but it wasn't going," he added.

"Lots of