Surgeons have been battling to save the savaged arms of a 61-year-old woman who suffered horrific injuries in a dog attack.

Neighbours yesterday gave harrowing accounts of hearing victim Linda Woodall’s screams as she was attacked by her pregnant friend’s bull terrier after she called in for a cup of tea at a house opposite her home in Thackeray Road, Ravenscliffe, Bradford.

Miss Woodall, who is well-known on the estate where she has lived all her life, had just returned from a coach trip to Bridlington. Neighbours, alerted by her terrified screams and her friend’s frantic yelling, said she lost part of one of her arms in the mauling.

About 50 people in the street ran to the house – some armed with garden spades and forks to try to fend the dog off on Wednesday night.

One neighbour, who was there but did not want to be named, said: “Linda’s friend had got out of the house and was banging and yelling on the front room window to try to distract the dog. People came from everywhere – some had spades and forks with them because they were going to go in but then a young man from further up the street went in by himself.

“The next thing we saw was Linda walking out herself. She was like a zombie – blood was dripping everywhere.

“She kept saying she couldn’t feel her arms. I kept telling her she would be all right when the ambulance got here but I could tell she had lost most of one of her arms.”

Miss Woodhall, who lived alone and is believed to have one sister in the area, was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary early yesterday for specialist surgery and was last night being treated in a high-dependency ward.

Her friend, Sharon Carbine, who volunteers with her at the Gateway Centre on the estate, said: “We’re all worried sick about her. She’s got a heart of gold – she bakes buns and cakes for the centre and helps out with the pensioners’ lunches.

“We heard she had just bent down to pick up the dog’s toy.

“We had had such a lovely day out in Brid – she had been just like a teenager.”

Gateway Centre manager Gerry Andrews said: “Linda is one of our good volunteers who is always keen to help us. We in turn will be hoping to help and support her as much as we possibly can and be here for her.”

Police described the injuries as “severe but not life-threatening”.

A dog seized from the property was being examined yesterday to determine its exact breed and whether it is an American Pit Bull which is banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

A man, 34, and a woman, 25, were arrested yesterday morning on suspicion of possession of an illegal animal and remained in police custody last night.

A quantity of cannabis plants was also taken from the house. A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis. He also remained in custody last night.

Inspector Tom Horner, of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “I want to reassure residents the animal involved has been seized by authorities.”

Anyone with further information about the attack should contact police on 0845 6060606.