An elderly woman could have lost a limb after a dog she was looking after attacked her, police have said.
The woman needed reconstructive surgery after the incident in the Whiston area of Rotherham on Wednesday.
Residents rushed to help the woman after hearing screams for help, South Yorkshire Police said. They managed to contain the dog – described as a pocket bully breed – until officers arrived.
Ch Insp Emma Cheney said the outcome “could have been very different”.
She said the force had launched more than 530 investigations into dangerous dogs so far this year and more than 300 people had suffered injuries, including 29 under the age of five.
“You are more likely to be bitten by a dog in your own home that is known to you,” she added. “Responsibility and action starts with the owners.”
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