A DOG was put down after police were called as a woman suffered "life-changing" injuries due to being bitten by the animal.

Emergency services were called on Saturday morning (March 20) following reports that a woman was bitten by a dog.

At around 9am police received reports that a woman in her 60s, living on Rivington Road, St Helens, had been bitten on the arm by a Tibetan Mastiff.

The woman, who is reported to be the owner of the dog, was taken to hospital with what police describe as "life-changing injuries".

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "Specially trained officers and a vet attended the address and the dog was put to sleep with the owner’s permission.

"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing."