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Man attacked by five bullmastiff dogs at home in Vicarage Hill, Westerham

00:00, 07 March 2016

A man remains in a serious condition in hospital after being mauled by a pack of dogs at his home in Westerham.

Five bullmastiffs were removed from the property in Vicarage Hill yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the address shortly after 7am following reports a man had been seriously injured.

Police officers at the scene. Picture: Philip Hoath
Police officers at the scene. Picture: Philip Hoath

He was taken to St George's Hospital in London with injuries to his head, neck, arms and legs.

This morning, police confirmed his condition is not life-threatening.

A police spokesman said officers were "managing the dogs' welfare," but it is not yet known what will happen to them.

Stock picture from Wikipedia
Stock picture from Wikipedia

The helicopter landed on the nearby King George playing field shortly after 8am yesterday.

The road was closed for eight hours between London Road and Hosey Hill due to concerns for public safety.

Philip Hoath, who lives nearby, told KentOnline: "The police made us move away from the house while they were bringing the dogs out.

A dog handler removing one of the animals following the attack. Picture: Philip Hoath
A dog handler removing one of the animals following the attack. Picture: Philip Hoath

"I think they were sedated to allow the RSPCA to move them into kennels. They then went off in vans under police escort."

RSPCA officers worked with police to detain the animals and remove them from the property.

A police spokesman said: "We were made aware by SECAmb at 7.10am on Sunday, March 6 that a man had been bitten by dogs at an address in Vicarage Hill, Westerham.

Fire crews were also called. Picture: Philip Hoath
Fire crews were also called. Picture: Philip Hoath

"Officers including firearms officers attended to assist and to ensure public safety the road was closed. A man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries."

An RSPCA spokesman added: "The RSPCA can confirm that we were called to an incident in Westerham, Kent, on Sunday 6 March, 2016 by Kent Police following reports a man had been attacked by dogs.

"An RSPCA inspector and an independent vet attended the incident to assist officers in sedating and handling the five dogs at the scene.

RSPCA inspectors assisted police. Picture: Philip Hoath
RSPCA inspectors assisted police. Picture: Philip Hoath
The dogs were taken away in metal cotainers. Picture: Philip Hoath
The dogs were taken away in metal cotainers. Picture: Philip Hoath

"The matter is now being dealt with by Kent Police."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was also called.

Emergency services left the scene at 4pm.

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