A young mum and an elderly neighbour have been left with life-changing injuries after a being mauled in a horror dog attack.
Abbie was walking home when she was allegedly attacked by the large Cane Corso which bit into her leg before lunging at her face.
Her neighbour, Danny, rushed to help but was also viciously attacked as he tried to save her.
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Both victims remain in hospital undergoing multiple operations after suffering devastating injuries.
A fundraiser has now been launched to help support the pair as they recover.
The horror unfolded in Crawley, Sussex.
A man was arrested in connection with the incident, as reported by Need To Know.
Dog attack victim, Danny. (Jam Press/Crawley Talks)
Organisers of a fundraiser for the injured pair said: “A truly heartbreaking incident occurred in which two local residents were viciously attacked by a dog.
“Abbie, a young mother to a six-year-old child, was walking home when she was suddenly attacked by a large Cane Corso.
“The dog bit her leg, tearing away a large section of tissue, before going for her face.
“Thankfully, she managed to raise her arm to protect herself but the dog then viciously bit her arm, causing devastating injuries down to the bone.
“Danny, an elderly neighbour, witnessed the attack and bravely stepped in to try to save Abbie and in doing so he was also viciously mauled, suffering serious injuries to both arms, his face and other parts of his body and during the attack he was dragged along the road by his face.”
The appeal added: “The attack has had a devastating impact on both victims.
“Abbie has suffered life-changing injuries and has been told she will never be able to use her hand again.
“Danny has also sustained life-changing injuries.
“Both remain in hospital undergoing treatment, tests and multiple operations while also trying to come to terms with the severe trauma they have experienced.
Danny’s arm. (Jam Press/Crawley Talks)
“We’re raising money to support Abbie and Danny during this incredibly difficult time.
“While no amount of money can undo the lifelong physical and emotional injuries they have suffered, we hope these funds will ease some of the financial pressure as they focus on their recovery.
“If you are able to donate, please do.
“If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser.
“Every donation and every share can make a real difference to Abbie and Danny during this incredibly difficult time.”
At the time of writing £1,100 had been raised of a £2,500 target.
Dog attack victim, Danny. (Jam Press/Crawley Talks)
Police said they were called to Sunningdale Court in the Southgate area of Crawley at about 1pm on Saturday following reports of a dog dangerously out of control.
Armed officers, neighbourhood police and specialist dog units attended the scene before the Cane Corso was secured and later humanely put to sleep in the interests of public safety and animal welfare.
A 27-year-old man, believed to be the dog’s owner, was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody.
Sussex Police said enquiries into the circumstances of the attack were ongoing and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
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Danny’s arm. (Jam Press/Crawley Talks)
