Video: Boy (8) injured in Magherafelt dog attack

Council enforcement officer, Gregory Stewart, is appealing for the owners of the dog to “hand it over.”

Adam Johnston underwent surgery at the Ulster Hospital Dundonald on Monday for facial injuries.

Describing it as a “very serious incident”, Mr Stewart said the owners - believed to be a man and woman in their 40s - should come forward in case the dog attacks again.

“I would also appeal to witnesses to the incident to contact me, so that we can established exactly what happened,” he said.

The incident happened on Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, on Saturday night - between 8.30pm and 9pm - as Adam walked home with his nine-year-old brother, Nathan, and 20-year-old sister, Michaella, after getting sweets in Tesco.

Mr Stewart said Ballyronan Road is a busy area of the town, and he appealed to any pedestrians or passing motorists who witnessed the attack to contact him at the District Council offices, telephone 028 79397979.