SHOCKED residents told how they watched as police and paramedics raced to a home in Colchester following a dog attack.

Ambulances arrived from air and land to treat those mauled by a dog while police tried to secure the Staffordshire bull terrier.

A baby was left fighting for its life while another child suffered life-changing injuries.

A cordon was put around the home in Harwich Road, on the corner of Tara Close, to keep onlookers using their mobile phones away from the scene while paramedics treated the seriously injured patients at the home.

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One neighbour said: “It is scary to think something like this can happen just doors away.

“You hear about things like this but don’t expect it on your doorstep.

“The police were really polite when they knocked and just said a little one had been hurt.

“I can’t believe there has been a dog attack. Your heart goes out for the family and you just hope for the best.”

John Williams lives opposite the property and praised the quick reaction of the emergency services in getting to the home so quickly.

He said: “That road has had lots of events in the past but it is always worrying when you see the police and ambulances and do not know what is happening.

“You just feel for the people there, the family going through it and also for the officers with some of the things they see.

“To hear people have been hurt is horrible and when you hear it is another dog attack you think when will people learn.

“When the police arrived they dealt with it.

“They know what to do and gave it their full focus and it is reassuring how they dealt with everything.”

Another neighbour added: “We watched them all arrive but did not know what was going on.

“There were lots of flashing lights, police cars and ambulances.

“You just hope everyone recovers.”

Colchester MP Will Quince has offered any support he can to those affected by the incident.

He said: “This is absolutely tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time.

“I will, of course, give the family and authorities any support I can.”

A police cordon remained at the scene with a police guard throughout the evening while detectives continued their investigations.