Thank you for saving my life

Sam Leverett, of Broughton Street, met up with quick-thinking Robert Ashworth at his home in Tunnel Street, Burnley.

Sam, accompanied by his grandad Ron Topping, thanked Mr Ashworth for his heroic actions last Saturday.

The seven-year-old received horrific bites to his arms and legs during the attack in Tunnel Street, which went on for almost five minutes before Robert dived in to smother him from further injuries.

Robert, 56, fought back the tears when he saw Sam for the first time since the attack.

Ron said: "If it hadn't had been for Bob passing at the time we might not have being having this reunion.

"This man is our number one hero and we'll never forget what he did. Sam has been looking forward to meeting Bob so he could show him how well he is doing and thank him for helping to save his life."

Robert said: "I keep getting flashbacks which have been tormenting me this past week. It all seems like a haze now, I can't really remember much because of the adrenaline and the fear that runs through you.

"I am no hero I just did what anybody would do in those terrible circumstances. I am hoping that now I have seen Sam again and know that he's on the mend things might start getting a bit easier.

Mr Ashworth, who has two young grandchildren, added: "My daughter walks in that area and I keep thinking it could quite easily have been her or one of my grandchildren.

"To see Sam now compared to how he was last week is amazing, It's as if someone has waved a magic wand to help him get better."

Sam's grandad believes in the power of prayer and is certain it has helped with his speedy recovery after undergoing three operations at The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury.

He said: "Everybody has been praying for him and I really do believe that this has helped Sam come through. He was in a very bad way last week and now he's up and about almost as normal."

The Whittlefield Primary School pupil was going back to the Manchester hospital today to have his dressings changed after he recieved more than 80 wounds.

Det Insp Mark Maxlow, who is heading the police investigation, said seven dogs which had been seized from an address in the Tunnel Street area were still impounded as police continued their investigations.