POLICE officers are investigating whether a dog is an illegal breed after it brutally attacked a Greyhound in Thatto Heath park.

The attack happened at around 1pm on Saturday, May 21 as Donna Linnett was walking Jamie, a 12-year-old Greyhound, through the park.

A suspected pit bull ran over to Jamie and got a hold of him "by the throat".

Despite the efforts of Donna and passers-by, the dog would not let go and severely injured its owner's fingers as she tried to separate them.

St Helens Star: Jamie suffered three major puncture wounds after the attackJamie suffered three major puncture wounds after the attack

St Helens Star: He is currently still receiving veterinary treatmentHe is currently still receiving veterinary treatment

After the terrifying ordeal, Jamie was rushed to the vets where he is still being treated for three major puncture wounds, a fractured jaw, and broken teeth.

The suspected pit bull has been seized by police where it is being determined whether it is an illegal breed.

In the UK, Pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero are illegal breeds and will be humanely destroyed if they are dangerously out of control.

St Helens Star: Jamie is already said to be nervous around other dogsJamie is already said to be nervous around other dogs

St Helens Star: Jamie is said to be lucky to be aliveJamie is said to be lucky to be alive

Despite the incident, police in St Helens said there are no new concerns regarding the breeding of illegal dogs in St Helens but will seize any dog deemed to be dangerous.

Commenting on the incident in Thatto Heath, Community Policing Inspector Stacey Pope said:

“This incident would have been traumatic for both the owner who sustained serious injuries to her fingers, and the owner of the greyhound who was left very distressed.

“Thankfully the suspected pit bull was caught a short time later before it could cause further harm to anyone else, and has now been seized.

St Helens Star: Jamie also suffered cuts around his bodyJamie also suffered cuts around his body

St Helens Star: He also lost some teeth and a fractured jawHe also lost some teeth and a fractured jaw

“Merseyside Police takes such incidents seriously and will take any necessary action to keep our communities safe. We have a dedicated Sergeant who reviews all cases concerning dogs.

“Pit bull type dogs are a banned breed and classed as a dangerous dog. They are not designed to be family pets and pose a danger to the public.

“Anyone walking their dog in a public place should be aware of their dog’s behaviour and keep it on a lead if it is liable to be aggressive towards other park users – regardless of their breed.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident or with any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 22000349719.

St Helens Star: Jamie, a 12-year-old GreyhoundJamie, a 12-year-old Greyhound