Baby seriously injured in attack by family dog

The baby was attacked by the dog, which is a Cane Corso X breed (stock image)

A 10-month-old baby boy has been seriously injured after being attacked by the family dog in South Yorkshire.

Police officers said the animal, a Cane Corso X, savaged the baby at a property in Hoyland, Barnsley, after he began to cry.

The dog, described by its owners as having shown no previous signs of aggression, left the youngster requiring surgery, a spokesperson said.

The boy remains in hospital in a stable but serious condition, they added.

Dog legislation officer PC Paul Jameson said: they were called at 07:42 BST on Tuesday to a report of the attack.

"Our early enquiries with the family highlighted that the dog was not previously reported to be of an aggressive nature, and this was a family who took precautions and are responsible owners.

"An incident like this is a stark reminder that regardless of a dog's nature, or previous interactions with children, other dogs and people, they are animals and their innate instinct to protect themselves which can result in serious injuries and sometimes fatality," he added.

According to the family, the dog may have become stressed by fireworks being set off recently in the local area, police said.

Mr Jameson urged owners to watch out for changes in their dog's behaviour at this time of year and provide them with a space they feel safe, away from children and people.