Police to step up patrols after children attacked by travellers' dogs

Earlier today the RSPCA hit out at authorities for doing 'very little' after the spate of dog attacks at the King George’s Playing Field in Witney. 

Three children and several adults, including council officers, have so far been attacked while walking through the site.

A 13-year-old boy and eight-year-old girl are among those to have been bitten after a camp was set up at the site on Monday.

Local residents have now labelled the area a 'no-go zone'.

This afternoon Thames Valley Police said visible patrols would be increased in the area.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Steve Hookham, based at Witney Police Station said: “I would like to reassure the public that we are thoroughly investigating these incidents.

“I am aware that incidents of this nature are worrying to local residents and my officers will be conducting regular patrols in the area.”

This morning an RSPCA Oxfordshire Facebook post in response to the attacks read: "Was always going to happen....... this should not be a problem for charities or voluntary organisations to deal with.

"What are the Police and local authorities doing about it, very little again no doubt......"  

Staff at Wood Green School, which is right next to the field, have encouraged parents to tell their children to avoid the field, which, at the time of going print, is home to seven caravans.

Police have urged a woman on the site to ensure three dogs that she owns are kept on a lead at all times.

Meanwhile, Witney Town Council, the landowner, yesterday served the travellers with a notice for immediate vacation of the site.

While on the site, a councillor and council officer were attacked by three dogs.

A concerned parent, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the Oxford Mail that more should be done to resolve the situation, adding that “children should not have to be frightened to walk to school”.

He added: “I just don’t understand. If I had a dog that bit someone it would go on a list and if it bit someone again it would be put down.

“There were at least two dog bites in one day on Tuesday. I don’t see why police aren’t taking action. Why is this not being looked into?

“There is a sort-of understanding when they set up a camp at a park and ride. It’s inconvenient but it tends not to disrupt people’s lives.

“In this case it’s stopping children walking to school through that field.”

A 13-year-old boy was bitten by a small dog while on his way to Wood Green School at around 8am on Tuesday.

The school responded by sending out an email warning parents of animals acting unpredictably.

It reads: “A Travelling community has arrived on King George's field in Newland. As this is a regular route home for many of our students I wanted to make you aware, as there may be animals in the field which may react unpredictably to distractions.

“It might be wise to discuss with your child, a route home which avoids the field for the time being.”

Then, at 11am on the same day, a 23-year-old man was bitten by a small dog in the field.

It is understood that, since then, a dog chased two eight-year-olds through the field, biting one, at around 8am yesterday.

A 16-year-old boy had to attend the town's minor injury unit after receiving a cut following a dog bite that occurred just after midday.

There are also reports of dogs biting, or trying to bite, a member of staff from West Oxfordshire District Council and a PCSO.

Yesterday police urged anybody with information about any of the incidents to contact them on 101.

A spokesman said the force is particularly interested in speaking to anyone who has footage of the dogs or their owners.

Oxfordshire County Council planned to visit the site on Tuesday afternoon but did not offer a further comment when asked yesterday.

It is understood that a gate had been removed from the field last week.

A chain and padlock was put in the gate’s place.

The chain and unbroken padlock could be seen strewn across the ground at the field’s entrance.