''We're thankful he’s alive': Picture shows horror injuries as family speak out after boy, 11, mauled by dog

The family of an autistic 11-year-old boy who was mauled by a dog when playing out with friends have said they are 'thankful he is still alive' following the ordeal.

Emergency services raced to Swanley Avenue in Monsall on Sunday afternoon (June 4) following reports the youngster was attacked by a dog, with an air ambulance also scrambled to the scene and landing near the Queens Hotel and Pub.

Horrified residents watched on as some told of the 'screams' they heard following the attack that left the boy, named Ali, 'seriously injured' in hospital.

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Now, Ali's sister has spoken to the Manchester Evening News about the ordeal and shared the horrific pictures of his injuries with their parent's permission.

His sister, 18, said: "A little girl knocked on the door and asked if he could play outside but my mum said no at first because he is scared of dogs. He went out to play because he felt safer with the other girl there.

"My mum thought everything was fine but then he started banging on the front door. My brother was asleep upstairs and heard him screaming and ran downstairs and called the ambulance. They came really quickly."

Greater Manchester Police later confirmed the dog had been seized by officers however the breed has not yet been confirmed.

Little Ali, who has autism, was rushed to hospital by paramedics with serious but not life-threatening injuries. His family say that as well as a ravaged cheek, he had scratches up and down his arms and on his hands that were bleeding.

"His face was really bad. He was bleeding everywhere," his sister added. "The police closed off the road. There was so much happening my mum didn't know what to do.

"His clothes