A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy savaged by a bull mastiff on Easter Sunday is now recovering at home after the first of a series of skin graft operations to repair the horrendous damage to his face. But he's been sent so many toys to help cheer him up, his dad says it's just like Christmas all over again.

Cheeky-faced Marlon Alker, a pupil at St James School in Billinge, had part his nose bitten off and there was also damage to the area underneath one of his eyes. Surgeons at Whiston Hospital's plastics unit have taken skin from Marlon's leg and used it as a temporary graft for his nose, they will assess in a week's time how to rebuild the nose.

Marlon, was playing with friends near his semi-detached home in Beacon Road, Billinge, when the attack took place. The youngsters were taking turns at riding over a ramp which they had built and Marlon was standing by the ramp watching his friends when a neighbour, who was looking after the three-year-old bull mastiff for his brother-in-law, walked by with the dog.

The dog - which was destroyed by a veterinary surgeon shortly after the incident - was on a short lead, but that didn't stop it from attacking the youngster.

Marlon's parents, Jacqueline and Malcolm, stayed at their son's bedside in Whiston Hospital until he was discharged on Tuesday afternoon. And the couple, who have three other sons, are now grateful to have him back home.

Marlon's dad Malcolm said: "He's a great little lad and he's faced up to the situation very well, he has been really brave, although he is a bit subdued at the moment and not quite himself.

"We're glad to have him back home in his own surroundings. The family would like to thank the staff and consultants at Whiston Hospital, especially Mr Green who has been very reassuring.

"I would also like to thank family and friends who have rallied round since the incident on Friday, they really have been great. Marlon has been inundated with toys - it's like Christmas all over again."

Merseyside Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to the attack and are continuing their inquiries.

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