A NINE-year-old boy has been left scarred for life after being attacked by a neighbour's dog.

Jamie Saveall, of Thistley Close, Leigh, needed a total of 40 stitches above his left eye and below his chin after he was bitten by the 18-month-old rottweiler mastiff cross-breed.

The dog's owner Mark McDonald, 25, pleaded guilty at Southend Magistrates' Court to owning a dangerous dog and not keeping it under control, after the attack in his home.

He was given a control order for the dog, which has now been castrated, ordering him to keep a muzzle on the dog at all times and keeping the dog on a lead at all times in public places.

The court heard evidence from two experts who took the dog away for assessments and said the attack was completely out of character.

Jamie's mum, Carron Saunders, 39, said: "When I first saw him I got hysterical because he was covered in blood.

"It was an awful experience and so distressing for the whole family, not just Jamie.

"The first I knew about the attack was when my neighbour walked over to say he had been bitten."

Quick-thinking Jamie kicked the animal, and managed to get it away after it had pierced the skin of his face and neck with just one bite.

He was taken to hospital by ambulance to have 40 stitches in the wounds and could still face more surgery if they do not heal properly.

Jamie, who still has nightmares about what happened, said: "I was playing on a PlayStation and just saw this dog come in and he bit me.

"I was scared and I don't like big dogs now."

Alan Moore, district business manager for Southend Crown Prosecution Service, described the attack as a "very, very serious offence" and said the defendant was very remorseful.

He said: "The dog was made subject of a number of controls to ensure its future good behaviour around children both in the home and out on walks.

"The defendant was contrite from the outset, apologised and expressed his deep regret for what had happened."