A 10 year old has suffered painful injuries after becoming the third young boy in a year to be savagely attacked by the same dog.

Herts Advertiser: Liz's son Sean, now 10, was attacked by what is thought to be the same dog last yearLiz's son Sean, now 10, was attacked by what is thought to be the same dog last year (Image: Archant)

Kyle Davis, of St Albans, was walking with his father on Marshall Avenue on Saturday, when a man walking his Akita asked them for some money from across the road.

His mother, Sam Davis, told the Herts Advertiser that Kyle intended to cross the road to give the man some money, but before he had the chance to the man and his dog had already come over.

She said: “He turned around and the dog was right behind him. It then jumped on his back, dragged him to the ground and he banged his head”

She continued: “Kyle told me the dog was on him for 10 minutes, I said that it probably wasn’t but it probably felt that way.”

Herts Advertiser: Kyle was rushed to hospital with deep puncture wounds after the Akita attacked himKyle was rushed to hospital with deep puncture wounds after the Akita attacked him (Image: Archant)

The family was familiar with the dog and its owner. Sam added: “The owner apparently just stood there and it wasn’t until I went round to his house that I got an apology.”

Kyle was taken to hospital by his father where they dressed his wounds, which included a deep puncture to his right arm, bite marks and bruising on his back.

It is not the first time the dog in question has allegedly attacked. Two other incidents involving young boys have surfaced since Sam posted about Kyle’s attack on Facebook group, St Albans Past and Present Memories.

One instance saw nine-year-old Sean, the son of St Albans woman Liz Hardy, attacked by what is thought to be the same dog when he visited the home where it resides in May last year.

Herts Advertiser: Kyle received bite marks over his body, including his back and armsKyle received bite marks over his body, including his back and arms (Image: Archant)

Liz said Sean entered the garden where the dog was chained and the dog ‘sent Sean flying’ when it jumped on him and bit him.

Sean, now 10, suffered five puncture wounds and had to have stitches on his head, but the dog was still allowed out in public because it happened at a private residence.

Liz said police told her that was due to a law at the time, which has since changed. She added: “I think they [the police] were frustrated because there were so many loopholes. But those two other incidents could have been prevented.

“At the time I didn’t think to put it on social media because I didn’t think people would want to see that sort of thing. I am glad that Sam has now though.”

Following Sam’s Facebook post there has been an angry reaction from users about the lack of response from Herts Police.

Despite being informed almost instantly after the third attack, the police did not visit Kyle until Monday (16) morning to enquire about the incident and the dog was not seized until Monday evening.

Liz added: “I just think it’s such a shame that it took two other little boys getting hurt before something got done about it. It was the public sharing it [the Facebook post] that made a difference.”

Sam also commented on the police’s response: “I think it’s disgusting. The dog should have been put to sleep the first time.”

A Herts Police spokesperson said on Monday that there had been a mix up about which address they were to visit, originally visiting Kyle’s stepmother.

He continued : “We have spoken to the victim’s family and apologised for the error and an appointment was offered for yesterday (Sunday) evening, however this proved to be too late [in the evening] for the child and another was arranged for today (Monday).”

Kyle’s wounds are healing but both boys are now wary of dogs they meet in public.

Liz added that she used to have a dog grooming business but had to change professions as her son could not cope with unfamiliar dogs.