Parents 'devastated' over East Sussex dog attack on boy

The parents of a two-year-old boy from East Sussex who is recovering after being mauled by the family dog are said to be devastated by the attack.

Lewis Oliver suffered facial injuries when he was attacked by a Japanese Akita named Kona at home in Hailsham on Wednesday night.

Parents Reme Keightley and Dean Oliver are at the toddler's bedside at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

Sussex Police said his injuries were "serious but not life-threatening".

The animal was destroyed on Wednesday evening with the consent of the family.

Kona had never shown any aggression towards anyone before”

Lewis's great-aunt Jane Keightley said: "All I know is that Kona snapped at Lewis but I really don't know any more details at the moment.

"Kona got him on the side of the mouth. I haven't seen Lewis but I know that he has been up watching telly and taking drinks.

"He is a brave little soldier."

She said his parents were "absolutely devastated".

Another Japanese Akita owned by the family will be re-homed, according to Ms Keightley.

She added: "Kona had never shown any aggression towards anyone before.

"He has been there since he was born and played with the children and chased them.

"This is the first time that he decided to snap."

Insp Tony Wakefield, of Sussex Police, said it had been a traumatic but isolated incident.

He said "The family voluntarily agreed for the dog, which had not previously shown any aggression towards the family or the public, to be destroyed immediately."