A mother today spoke of her relief after hearing that the dog that attacked her six-year-old son was put down.

Bob Mitchell was quietly playing with his cousin in a field behind his Saltaire home when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier struck. It jumped on Robert's back and savaged his left arm and stomach.

Bob needed hospital treatment for his wounds, and could be scarred for life.

Mum Liz Deans, 22, said the family were glad that the animal had been put down.

"I feel a lot better, I'm relieved about it," she said.

"I feel safer for the other children that are playing in the field. It does seem a lot better knowing that it won't happen again.

The family are now considering suing the dog's owner for compensation over Bob's injuries.

"He says the wounds hurt if he runs or if people touch them, especially his left arm" she said.

"That's the worst area, the wound is quite deep and I'm worried about the scar."

As well as the physical injuries, Miss Deans said Bob is still upset about the attack.

"We were walking to school the other day and this little black kitten came running out," she said. "Bob jumped out of his skin. He laughed once he realised what it was but for that split second he was scared."

Miss Deans said Bob is constantly being stopped in the street to by people asking if he is all right and wishing him a speedy recovery.

"We went in to a shop and the owner gave him a carrier bag and told him to go and pick loads of sweets," she said.

"He was well chuffed with that."

Police are continuing to investigate the attack.

The dog's owner was not available for comment.