A heroic neighbour has recounted the terrifying moment he rushed to save a four-year-old girl during a brutal dog attack in Orpington, south-east London. McArthur Okorocha, who lives across the road, responded to the sound of desperate screams and saw four large dogs attacking children and their mother.

"I grabbed the first girl and I held her," McArthur told The Mirror. "I tried to grab the second boy, but the dogs came for me, so I had to separate the little girl from the dogs and call 999." The situation unfolded around 9 am, with McArthur quick to act despite the danger he faced. He described seeing the dogs biting another child, a little boy, as their mother, a 30-year-old woman, tried to protect her family.

Police were alerted to the scene and swiftly brought the dogs under control, moving them to police kennels. While the three victims were taken to the hospital, their injuries were fortunately assessed as non-life-threatening.

The dogs’ owner, a woman who has been arrested on suspicion of allowing dangerous dogs to be out of control, remains in police custody. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities trying to determine how the dogs managed to escape and launch the attack.

Superintendent Mitch Carr of the South Area BCU said, "I know this incident will have caused a lot of public concern, especially due to the young age of the children injured. Fortunately, it is believed that none of the injuries are life-threatening." He reassured the public that an increased police presence will be maintained in the area to provide support and reassurance to local residents.

Neighbours praised McArthur for his quick-thinking bravery, with many relieved that the situation was not worse. "He’s a true hero," said one neighbour. "Without him stepping in, it could have been far more tragic."

The victims are now receiving treatment for their injuries, and the local community is still reeling from the shocking event. This incident has raised concerns about dangerous dogs in residential areas and the responsibilities of owners to keep them under control.

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