Lincoln dog attack: Woman's injuries 'devastating'

Police warned residents to stay away from the quarry "for their own safety"

Injuries described as "devastating" to a woman attacked by a dog in Lincoln, include having the skin on her head "ripped back exposing her skull".

Police said the animal's owner had been arrested and the dog, believed to be an American pit bull, was now in kennels.

Armed police and a helicopter were deployed to search for the dog after the attack on Sunday.

Insp Michelle McIlroy, of Lincolnshire Police, said the victim, 22, had suffered "life-changing" injuries.

'Deep facial gouges'

She had also suffered "deep facial gouges on her cheeks" and injuries to her hand, said Insp McIlroy.

Residents in part of Lincoln were warned to stay in their homes during the night-time search for the animal.

Police searched an area near an old quarry off Outer Circle Road on the outskirts of the city on Sunday evening.

During the search, the area where the dog was thought to be was "contained" by police.

The woman was taken for treatment to Lincoln County Hospital.

Insp McIlroy said: "She has suffered quite devastating injuries. They are not described as life-threatening, but certainly life-changing.

"It is quite unusual for an adult to be attacked by a dog in this way. We hear about small children being attacked but it is unusual for an adult to be attacked."

Tests are being carried out on the dog to confirm the breed, police said.

Insp McIlroy said magistrates would be likely to approve a destruction order for the dog.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of having a dangerous dog out of control in a public place.

He will also be questioned on suspicion of affray after an incident involving police officers who were attempting to seize the dog.