Neighbours tell of moment girl, 10, mauled by dog in Bolton

The incident took place on Roseneath Road in Great Lever yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, February 4, when a loose dog attacked Mina Bestun as she was on her way home from school.

She was taken to hospital and remains there today, Thursday, and is set to undergo an operation.

Nizamuddin Patel lives across the road from where the incident happened and helped Mina immediately after the attack.

Speaking to The Bolton News, he told of the “very scary” incident.

Mr Patel said: “I was sleeping and I could hear so much noise. When I woke up, I ran out, my son was outside, and I saw the girl on the floor, she was getting up and running towards her house.

Mina Bestun is in hospital after being attacked by a dog (Image: Family)

“I saw my neighbour, he was the one who helped the girl, he was trying to find something to use to get the dog away, he found a booster seat and threw it at the dog.

“The dog left the girl and ran towards him, then he went back into his car, and the dog went back towards where it came from.

“When I saw the girl, I didn’t know if she was injured, but someone said to call the police so I did so straight away.”

When he approached Mina, she was “covered in mud” and holding her right arm.

Mr Patel removed her coat to look at her arm and found it had “blood all down it”, and that the bite marks were clearly visible.

He added: “I was so shocked and called an ambulance straight away.

Police on Roseneath Grove (Image: Newsquest)

“Since then, I have been worrying when the children are playing outside.”

Mr Patel, who called the incident “very scary”, added a word of thanks to his neighbour who distracted the dog.

To see The Bolton News’ interview with Mina following the attack, click here.

Another neighbour added: “I was in the house, I didn’t actually hear anything, but got up to go to the kitchen and saw blue flashing lights.

“There were so many police that I thought there had been a murder.”

She estimated there to have been around “8-10” police cars, as well as dog units, tactical aid vans and an ambulance – she added that some police had guns.

She said: “That poor little girl, I feel so sorry for her. In fact, I am online, ordering a teddy bear to give to her.”

The attack took place on Roseneath Road (Image: Phil Taylor)

One other neighbour added that she was “scared to let her children out” following the attack.

A 52-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control.

Police returned to the scene today at around 11.15am, with a van and a car parking up on Roseneath Grove, which runs off Roseneath Road.

Officers were seen in a huddle, discussing tactics.

A GMP spokesperson said: “Shortly before 3.30pm on Wednesday, February 4, officers were called to reports of a dog attack on Roseneath Road, Bolton.

“Emergency services attended, and a 10-year-old girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries, believed to be life-changing.

“Armed Response Vehicles and GMP Dog Unit were deployed, and two dogs have been detained.

“A 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control, and are currently in custody.

“Officers will remain in the area as they conduct further enquiries and to provide reassurance to the community.”