THESE pictures show the horrific injuries caused to a mother as she tried to protect her puppy from two Staffordshire bull terriers.

Tracy Hills, 47, spent the last 24 hours undergoing surgery, after being violently mauled by two dogs in Victoria Park, Laindon.

The dogs snarled at onlookers, who tried to help Ms Hills and her pet, Finn were both left bleeding on Wednesday afternoon.

The animals tore around the park and the ensuing chaos saw children ushered back into school – and the Essex police helicopter scrambled to find the dogs.

The owner of the dog is now being questioned by police.

Last night, Ms Hills was preparing to have surgery on tendons in her arms and skin grafts at the specialist unit at Chelmsford’s Broomfield Hospital.

Meanwhile Finn, a one year old Beagle, was recovering at home, after undergoing emergency surgery at a Basildon vet.

Ms Hills’ daughter, Jade Hills, 22, of Bourne Close, Laindon, said: “It was horrific. I want to release these pictures to the Echo to warn people about these animals.

“I am a massive animal lover, I cannot even watch RSPCA appeals, but these animals are clearly dangerous. I want to see them destroyed.”

The chaos started at about 3.30pm on Wednesday when Ms Hills was walking Finn. Her pet was left with serious wounds in both legs.

Ms Hills grabbed Finn, but was then targeted by the animals, receiving bites to her face, stomach and both legs.

A jogger came to Ms Hills’s aid and whacked the Staffordshire terriers with a branch while another woman helped Ms Hills get away.

The dogs ran off and were eventually caught by police officers, who then located the owner.

Miss Hills said: “My mum was just screaming for help.

“She was taken to Basildon Hospital and transferred to Broomfield.

“She has received injections for any infection.

“Doctors also need to work out if her tendons have been permanently damaged, which means she would lose feeling in her arm.

“She will also need a skin graft and will be left with permanent scarring.

“It was touch and go whether Finn would survive, but he is at home recovering now.

“The attack on my mum lasted about 15 minutes. She said it is one of the worst things that has ever happened to her.”

Echo:

Echo:

Police tell owner the dogs must be muzzled in public

ESSEX Police are interviewing the dogs’ owner.

The owner has been ordered to sign paperwork which means the dogs have to be muzzled and put on a lead in public while the case is being investigated.

PC Sam Creighton, neighbourhood officer for Laindon, said: “Both animals were chipped and registered and the owner has been fully cooperative.

“The owner has been interviewed and we have made them aware that if there are any further incidents while our investigations are ongoing the animals could be seized.

“We will be visiting Ms Hill when she returns home from hospital and taking statements
from witnesses. Our inquiries are continuing.”