A four-year-old child and three adults have been injured in a suspected dog attack in Middlesbrough. Emergency services were called to Marshall Avenue, in Brambles Farm, following reports of a Malinois dog attacking four people on Sunday afternoon.
Arrests Made
A 15-year-old boy, a 34-year-old man, and a 36-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury. They are currently being questioned in custody. Officers seized the dog as part of the ongoing investigation.
The child and three adults have all received treatment in hospital for injuries that are not life-threatening.
Police Appeal
Mike Dalton, from Cleveland Police’s Middlesbrough response, said: ‘Once the report was received, officers swiftly attended to the area and the dog was located and seized. As part of the investigation, three people have been arrested and will be questioned while officers establish what took place. I want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has information or footage in the run to and during the bite to please get in touch.’
Any residents who have concerns have been encouraged to speak to officers.
About the Breed
Malinois dogs are herding dogs known for being stubborn, protective, and hard-working. PETA wrote of the breed: ‘One of the most alarming issues with this breed is that they have a gene variant linked to sudden, unpredictable aggression. These dogs can experience “episodic rage” that looks almost like seizures—but instead of losing consciousness quietly, they may lash out violently at anyone nearby.’
They are not considered a dangerous breed and are not banned. In fact, the Metropolitan Police uses the breed in service. In 2024, the breed made headlines after a family pet mauled a seven-month-old baby girl at home in Coventry. Elle Doherty died after suffering serious head injuries in the attack. The family’s pet dog was later euthanised.
In April, 19-year-old Jamie-Lea Biscoe was killed in a dog attack in Long Hide, Essex. The breed which attacked her was not a banned one. Specialist officers were brought in to secure the scene and take the dog away. A 37-year-old man, from Dunmow, was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury resulting in death.
