Friends of a woman mauled by a dog say surgeons are hopeful they have saved the use of her arm and hand.

Linda Woodhall is still in intensive care after a friend’s American bulldog turned on her three days ago. But she has been able to talk briefly to visitors about her ordeal.

Neighbours who had rushed to help the 61-year-old after hearing her screams on Wednesday night had feared she would lose her arm.

She had just got back from a coach trip and called in at her pregnant friend’s house when the incident happened across from her own home on Thackeray Road, on the Ravenscliffe estate, Bradford.

It is believed she had bent down to pick up the dog’s toy.

She was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary in the early hours of Thursday.

The animal is being held at police kennels pending a decision on its future.

A man, 34, and a woman, 25, who were arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of possession of an illegal animal, have since been bailed.

Gerry Andrews, manager at The Gateway Centre where Miss Woodhall volunteers in the kitchens, said: “Linda’s still in intensive care, but they are hoping she should be able to retain the use of her arm and hand. But it’s still very early days. She’s up and about in terms of talking, but is in a lot of pain.”

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