A 20-year-old man who took pity on a stray Staffordshire bull terrier suffered horrific injuries after he was attacked by the dog.

Liam Brock, a former Easton College student, from Blenheim Grange, Carbrooke, near Watton, fell in love with the two-year-old dog and gave it a home after it was found on September 25 tied up on former RAF Watton land at Griston.

The animal, renamed Marley, attacked Mr Brock on October 27 as he went into his bedroom and locked its jaws around both his arms for half an hour causing multiple wounds.

A neighbour helped remove Marley before putting him in a cage and six police officers were also called.

Mr Brock was taken to the Norfolk and Norfolk University Hospital and needed 35 stitches.

In his right arm he had seven puncture wounds, a punctured bicep and crushed nerve.

He had two large stitches in his left arm and may have to have a nerve transplant in that arm. He currently does not have any feeling in his right hand.

His mother, Carol, said: 'The dog was on him and he was on the floor and I heard screaming.

'I was shocked it went for Liam because the dog was his shadow.

'It was absolutely horrific. I don't want to hear those screams for the rest of my life. I couldn't do anything but I feel guilty because you are meant to protect your kids. I couldn't take that animal off him.'

She added: 'Everyone is having nightmares.'

Marley, who was later put down, was taken to the Old Golfhouse Vets in Watton the day after he was discovered and looked after by the Breckland Council dog warden for 12 days, while efforts were made to find the owner.

As the owner was not found, the animal was given to Mr Brock, who was previously 'petrified' of dogs but was excited to look after it.

Miss Brock added: 'He is only 20 with his life ahead of him and it is now ruined in a big way.'

A Breckland spokesman said it was explained to Mr Brock he would be taking the dog as seen and that, although the dog had not shown any signs of illness or aggression while in the authority's care, it knew nothing of its history or temperament.

They added: 'It is unfortunate that Mr Brock's act of kindness has had this outcome. We appreciate Mr Brock's rehoming of the dog and would encourage anyone wanting a pet to visit and talk to their local rehoming centre who always have many animals looking for new homes.'

Mr Brock currently needs physiotherapy and constant care.