A STAFFORDSHIRE bull terrier attacked three children after being left to roam in an alleyway, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates were told how the dog's latest victim was a five-year-old boy. The dog, which had also bitten a seven year old boy and a girl aged four and had now been put down.

Its owner, Angela Johnstone, 23, of Grange Street, Burnley, is awaiting sentence after magistrates ordered a pre-sentence report and said all sentencing options would be open.

Johnstone was bailed until January 26, after admitting having a dog dangerously out of control in public and injury being caused, handling stolen goods, three counts of deception and failing to surrender and attempted deception.

Neil White, prosecuting, said the terrier had been left to roam unsupervised and unattended in an alleyway behind houses.

Richard Taylor, defending, told the court the animal was "no longer in existence."

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