Street in fear as toddler and boy, 9, attacked by Akita on a rampage

Residents of the street where a toddler and a young boy were injured in a dog attack have said “more needs to be done”.

South Yorkshire Police raced to Broadwater in Bolton upon Dearne - between Barnsley and Rotherham - at 8.17am on Wednesday, July 3. It is reported that a Japanese Akita dog bit a man and a nine-year-old boy, causing minor injuries, and a two-year-old girl, causing serious injuries.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service were also called to the scene and both children were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. The two-year-old girl remains in hospital.

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Police say the Akita had also attacked another dog, leaving the animal with serious injuries. Officers located the Akita in Ingfield Lane, where a brave member of the public had got the dangerous dog under control by taking hold of its collar. The dog was then take into police care.

Residents of Broadwater have condemned the attack, labelling it “scary” and suggesting that “more needs to be done” to prevent similar attacks from happening in the future. Speaking to Yorkshire Live one resident, who did not want to be named, said: “You hear a lot about dog attacks now but it’s definitely more shocking when it happens on your own road. It’s scary.

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“We have young kids ourselves and it just puts into perspective that that could have happened to us. Something needs to be done about dogs like that.”

Marie-Anne said: “You hear about dog attacks all the time now. I think something needs to be done in terms of dog ownership, or rules brought in, just something to help reduce the numbers or stop this type of attack.”

Another resident said: “I heard sirens and saw the police here after I dropped the kids off at school yesterday. It’s scary and so worrying to hear that kids were involved. I hope they’re ok.” Their next-door neighbour added: “It could have been anyone’s kid. It’s scary”

A 46-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control. They have both been released on bail.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police added: “Our enquiries are on-going and witnesses to the incident or those with information are asked to contact us quoting incident number 177 of July 3 2024.”