CHILDREN at a Blackburn primary school were subjected to a terrifying ordeal after two "pit-bull type" dogs ran amok in the playground, mauling one youngster.

A 10-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being bitten by at least one of the dogs in the yard of Audley County Junior School,Queen's Park Road.

Police today confirmed they were investigating the incident.

Teachers at the school said Sohail Chogle was targeted after the dogs burst into the playground.

Headteacher Adrian Woods, who only recently took over the school, said the dogs were being walked past the school, but were not on leads.

He added: "At lunch time two men were walking their dogs past the school. They didn't put them back on their leads, even though they knew they were passing a school."

What followed was described by Mr Woods as a horrifying incident which left pupils badly shaken.

He said: "Children were outside at the time and they started running away from the dogs, which seemed to excite the animals even more.

"One of the dogs got hold of Sohail by the leg and wouldn't let go. The owner was desperately trying to get him off, but his jaws were locked.

"Sohail was very brave and thankfully he is alive and well. To watch one of your pupils being mauled by a dog was extremely distressing."

The Year Six pupil was today said to be recovering at home after doctors treated him for bite wounds.

Mr Woods also blasted the dog owners, despite the fact they had helped free Sohail.

He said: "I have to say not having the dogs on leads was utterly irresponsible, but they did act responsibly once the incident had happened."

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating the matter."