The boy went to stroke the dog when it bit him

Paul Loraine was on a platform at Hamilton Square station in Birkenhead when the attack happened on 8 August.

He was with his mother and three other children when he went to stroke the Japanese Akita, which then bit him.

The dog's owner, who had the animal on a lead, ran away. British Transport Police are appealing for information about the attack.

The incident took place at about 1640 BST, officers said.

'Disgraceful'

An ambulance was called and Paul, who is from Rock Ferry, was taken to hospital where he was treated for two wounds on his face.

The child's mother, Pauline Loraine, said the owner's decision to flee was "disgraceful".

The mother-of-five said: "At first I wasn't concerned about the owner. I was trying to help Paul.

"He had blood pouring out of his face and I was trying to stop it but I couldn't tell where it was coming from because there was so much of it.

"He was really upset and I was absolutely hysterical," she added.

"I think the owner stopped for a few seconds and then just ran away, which is disgraceful.

"There is still a dangerous dog out there that could bite another child."