Two men arrested after dog attack in St Leonards on Sea

Two men have been arrested following a dog attack which left 10 people needing hospital treatment.

Sussex Police went to Marline Road in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, at about 8.55pm yesterday after reports that two dogs had escaped into the street and several people had been injured.

When officers arrived one of the dogs had already been detained by members of the public in a dog crate, a police spokesman said.

The second dog was contained by a dog unit in a garden, helped by other police officers at the scene, allowing the South East Coast Ambulance Service to treat those who had been injured.

Police said a woman and two men received serious bites and scratches to their bodies but their injuries are not life-threatening.

They have all been referred for outpatient treatment at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, West Sussex, he said.

Five others received hospital treatment for minor injuries following the incident. All those hurt during the attack were aged between 20 and 50, he said.

The spokesman said he could not confirm the breed of either dog but that they had been taken to secure kennels somewhere in the South East where they are being examined and assessed.

A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of allowing dogs to be dangerously out of control, and a 21-year-old man was arrested for the same offence this morning. Both are in police custody, the spokesman said.

Inspector Sarah Godley, from the East Sussex Neighbourhood Response Team, said: "This was an incredibly distressing incident for everyone involved and quick work from members of the public and officers at the scene meant that the incident was quickly brought under control.

"Firearms officers were deployed to the incident but they were stood down when it became clear that the unarmed officers were able to get the dogs under control safely.

"We are now trying to establish exactly what has happened tonight and are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident.

"Officers will remain in the area tonight and tomorrow and I would encourage anyone with information or concerns to speak to them."

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 1537 of July 23, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

PA