A BOY has been left terrified of dogs after he was savaged by a friend's Rottweiler.

Neil Hines, 12, was attacked by the animal while he was playing a video game at a neighbour's house in Norton, Teesside.

His head, throat and shoulders were ripped open by the dog and Neil needed 20 stitches in his head and spent five days in hospital after the attack.

Now, he is receiving counselling after suffering flashbacks.

Neil was playing on a PlayStation with his friend when their dog ran in and jumped on him.

The attack lasted about five minutes and the neighbour had to prise open the dog's jaws to get him off. The Rottweiler has since been put down.

Neil said: "I was really frightened. The doctors took me into theatre and I have had over 20 stitches in my head and surgery on my scalp and the side of my throat and I have had to have loads of injections.

"My neck is still stiff and I can't get comfortable and I don't like being near dogs now."

Neil's mother, Susan Hines, said she feared her son could have been killed. She said: "Neil is lucky to be alive. He was defenceless against the dog.

"The police were horrified when they saw the state of Neil after the attack. His injuries were terrible.

"He has gone through so much trauma. The other day when he saw another Rottweiler he ran into the house and burst into tears."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "Inquiries into the incident are ongoing. The dog has been put down and we will be taking statements from the owners."