A SCHOOLBOY was savaged by a dog after being beaten by a gang of youths as he walked home from school.

Four men have been arrested following the incident at the junction of Norlington Road and Morley Road in Leytonstone.

Police who were patrolling the area spotted what they described as a "large disturbance" as pupils from nearby Norlington School for Boys made their way home.

A gang was seen kicking the 15-year-old student as he lay on the ground while a tan-coloured Staffordshire bull terrier, which was being held by one of the attackers, mauled the boy.

The attackers ran off when they saw the police but were caught after a short chase.

Witnesses, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said the dog had been encouraged to attack the boy and the gang used a discarded household chair to beat their victim.

The boy's trousers and shoes were ripped off during the attack and they could be seen lying in the street as police cordoned off the crime scene on Wednesday, September 13, at 3.25pm.

He suffered a bite to his foot and swelling to his right eye and was taken to Whipps Cross University Hospital. He was discharged after treatment.

One witness said: "I heard a commotion and looked round and couldn't believe what I was seeing. The dog was growling and barking and biting the boy's leg. I hope he is all right."

Four men have been bailed to return to Chingford police station in November.