A six-year-old boy who was savaged by a Rottweiler-Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross declared today: "I'm not scared of dogs."

Oliver Conroy was bitten on his cheek and forehead during the attack outside his home as he went to stroke the dog.

Mum Louise Murphy, of Hawes Mount, Little Horton, said she was amazed at her son's bravery.

She was walking with Oliver outside their house when the attack took place.

She said: "The dog was on a lead. Oliver knows the dog and went to stroke it and it attacked him.

"The owner managed to drag the dog away and I took Oliver over to a neighbour's house. He was screaming.

"I couldn't look at him. His skin was hanging off and he had a couple of bites around his eye. The dog had attacked him mostly around his left cheek.

"He was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary where he had 12 stitches. He was okay in the hospital, really good.

"His eye is nearly shut and was very swollen. He hasn't been able to go to school."

The dog's owner Scott Butler, of Hawes Avenue, has since had the dog destroyed.

He said his heart went out to the family, adding: "I'm really upset about the whole affair.

"I have had the dog for 18 months since it was a puppy and it has never bitten anyone before. I had no reason at all to think it could do this.

"My son was walking the dog when the little lad came running towards it and he pulled it back. The dog must have reacted. It happened so fast, so quickly.

"I had it put down, because if it bit anyone again I would never forgive myself, but obviously my family are very upset as well. I am gutted really. I can only apologise to the family again."

Oliver, who is due to have his stitches removed in time for Christmas, said the attack had not put him off his love of dogs.

"I'm not scared of dogs, I like them. I'm a bit scared of that one that bit me, but I think other dogs are good," he said.

Oliver, who is in year one at Hollingwood Primary School, received a big get well soon card from his classmates and his grandmother gave him a chain for his bravery.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said officers had investigated the attack and were not expected to take further action.

"Officers spoke to the dog's owner who confirmed the dog would be destroyed the following morning. We understand that this has taken place," she said.