The parents of a teenager who was savaged by an out-of-control dog have spoken of their pride.

Dale Prescott leapt into action when he saw a beagle being attacked by a large Japanese Akita on Manchester Road, Handforth, on Wednesday morning.

With no concern for his own safety the 18-year-old stepped in and was bitten several times on his hands and arms.

The dog, which had escaped from a house nearby, eventually retreated after a passerby, Hazel Harrison, hit it on the head with a wheel wrench.

Dale’s injuries were so severe police took him to Wythenshawe Hospital themselves rather than waiting for an ambulance.

He was treated for nine separate wounds on his hands and arms and had surgery on his left hand to repair tendon damage.

Manchester Road, Handforth

His dad Steven Prescott and step mum Andrea Killeen said Dale’s bravery came as no surprise to them.

Andrea said: “It’s typical of Dale. He’s always willing to help people and he loves animals.

“He has been in a lot of pain. We are really hoping his hand is okay and he can return to work.

“He was more worried about the little dog and the woman who was with it getting hurt which is why he acted so quickly.

“We’re so proud of him.”

Dale, who lives in Bolton, was in the area shopping with his girlfriend 19-year-old Lauren Ware.

The beagle, who is called Diago and is eight years old, suffered puncture wounds and was treated at a vets in Wilmslow.

Diago’s owner, who does not want to be named, has hailed Dale’s bravery.

She said: “My mum was walking Diago on Manchester Road. It’s a nice area so she wasn’t expecting any problems.

“She told me that everything happened so quickly. She remembers a big dog coming from nowhere and attacking Diago, who was trying to run away. He’s so sweet and submissive.

“Next thing she remembers was Dale being on the floor with the dog biting him.

“He was so brave. He saved Diago’s life and saved my mum from serious injury. We cannot thank him enough.”

The owner of the out of control Japanese Akita, eventually got control of the dog. It has since been put down.

Cheshire Police confirmed the incident which took place at around 11.20am.