Baby fights for life after dog attack

A six-week-old baby boy is fighting for his life and will remain in hospital after being attacked by a dog.

Emergency services were called to an address in Hawick in the Scottish Borders at 4.35pm on Thursday.

The child was taken to hospital where his condition has been described as ‘critical’ after being attacked by the dog. Police remain in attendance at the property.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “About 4.35pm on Thursday, emergency services were called to an address in Hawick after a report of a baby being attacked by a dog.

“A baby boy has been taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. Officers remain in attendance and inquiries are ongoing.”

Hawick councillor Davie Paterson said: “It’s an absolute tragedy and it’s going to hit the town hard.

“I don’t know the full circumstances of what happened but from what I’m hearing the child could be scarred for life.

“I was told about it with the council yesterday and I was absolutely horrified.”

Neighbour Teresa Currie told the BBC the family was “devastated” by what had happened, and that she had seen the boy’s mother run out of the house screaming.