POLICE today revealed they were investigating whether a pack of dogs which attacked a seven-year-old school boy had caused problems before.

And detectives urged anyone who had had problems with animals in the Tunnel Street area of Burnley or who had seen any dogs acting aggressively to come forward.

The call for information came a day after Sam Leverett underwent a second operation at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, to treat wounds he received when he was attacked.

Sam, of Broughton Street, Burnley, was walking to a shop when he was set upon by up to six animals, including a Staffordshire bull terrier and an alsatian on Saturday.

He received horrific injuries to his arms and legs during the attack, which went on for almost five minutes.

Quick-thinking hero Robert Ashworth beat the dogs off with a lead and dived on top of Sam to protect him.

The Whittlefield Primary School pupil has already undergone two operations on his lower arms and back and will require extensive plastic surgery.

Sam's parents, Jeff and Angela, have been at his bedside since the incident and praised Mr Ashworth for saving their son's life.

Today, Mr Ashworth, of Tunnel Street, told how he ran towards the dogs waving his own dog's lead in a bid to stop the attack.

He said: "I saw the dogs in a pack on the land and just thought they had spotted a squirrel or something. Then two little girls came over to tell me what was going on.

"I let my dog off the lead and ran over. There were about six of them and they had hold of him like a rag doll.

"They'd ripped his clothes off. It was awful. I hit them and hugged the boy to keep them off him.

"There was blood everywhere. I just did my best but I hope I never live to see anything like that again."

Detective Inspector Mark Maxlow said seven dogs seized from an address in the Tunnel Street area by officers from the RSPCA remained impounded and were being examined for any evidence they had been involved in the attack.

He said police were considering whether to bring charges against the owners under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Det Insp Maxlow said: "We have some witnesses to the incident but are still hoping to trace anyone else who may have seen what happened.

"We are also looking to speak to anyone who may have had problems with these dogs in the past.

"I would like to praise the actions of Mr Ashworth who behaved commendably."

Burnley Council is also urging residents to report any stray animals to its dog warden service.

Karen Davies, environmental health and cleansing manager, said anyone who spotted stray animals roaming the borough should contact them immediately.

She added: "We would like people, as a matter of everyday practice, to contact our dog warden service if they see stray dogs."

Staff at Whittlefield Primary School were due to speak to Sam's classmates about the attack today.

Headteacher Julie Kaygill said: "The teachers and children are very concerned, so we will be talking to his classmates today."