Mum with pram mauled in street by vicious dog - until lorry driver's brave action

A lorry driver bravely intervened to help a mum being mauled by a vicious, uncontrolled dog while out walking with her pet and small child.

The woman suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the attack, which took place on Thursday August 17, 2023 while she was out pushing the pram and walking her small dog. Fortunately, Stephen Kelly spotted the mum being attacked by the powerful bull breed dog in Doncaster Road, Doncaster and was able to intervene.

Stephen immediately stopped his vehicle and ran to assist. He intervened, making the larger, attacking dog release its grip, and restrained it by its collar despite the animal continuing to behave aggressively.

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He was able to secure the dog with rope to a fence. Stephen then stayed at the scene until the woman, who had sustained significant and life-changing injuries, was taken to hospital for emergency surgery to save her hand.

The 16-year–old owner of the dog was referred to the Youth Justice Service and received a community resolution outcome. The dog was put down.

Stephen's bravery was acknowledged when he became a gold winner during the National Police Chiefs Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards at The Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield on Thursday, November 14. Chief Constable Lauren Poultney, who hosted the awards ceremony, said: “Every day we ask our police officers to put themselves between harm and the public. Even with training, safety equipment and support from other police officers, this takes great bravery to deliver.

“But when members of the public support another person - often a stranger - or support the police in their jobs they do so without the same training or knowledge. This outstanding courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards.”

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