Facts elusive in mauling inquiry

By AINSLEY THOMSON

Six days have passed since Thames toddler Alex Josey was attacked by a pack of dogs, but confusion remains as to how many animals were involved and how the mauling happened.

Police have raised the possibility of charges if they can prove the family pet was among the attackers.

Many different stories are circulating the neighbourhood where the 2 1/2-year-old was mauled on Saturday night.

And police admit conflicting witness statements mean they are having trouble establishing what happened.

On Sunday, they said one dog was involved. The staffordshire-cross bitch called Krone has been destroyed and the owner will appear in court next Friday.

On Monday, Alex's family said four dogs mauled him, including two of Krone's puppies. The puppies are expected to be destroyed today.

Then, on Wednesday, police announced that five dogs were involved, including Roxanne, a dog belonging to Alex's family. The family reject the claim.

Yesterday, Sergeant Tony Mumford of Thames said the number was unknown. "There was a group of dogs, but how many of them actually bit the kid we don't know."

One fact is undisputed - Alex Josey is lying in a hospital bed with 5m of stitches in his face and head. He wakes up screaming.

Yesterday, neighbours told the Herald that Alex was often seen wandering around the street. His grandmother, Lynda Hart, said he suffered from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.