A mum has been left traumatised after an escaped dog attacked her and her Labradoodle near a primary school.

Jess Young had been walking 19-month-old Maple in The Ridings area of Cliftonville, Margate, when they were set upon.

The dog - described as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-cross - drew blood from her hand as she desperately tried to free her pet from the animal’s locked jaw.

The 31-year-old screamed for help and some builders working close by rushed to intervene and save Maple’s life.

Ms Young has been left with a £400 vet bill for the treatment of her Labradoodle’s injuries.

Police were called to the scene and the owner of the dog, which is believed to have got out of a nearby garden, has been issued with a community resolution.

The animal must now wear a muzzle and be on a lead outside the home.

The vicious attack occurred near Palm Bay Primary - which Ms Young’s son attends - and she fears what could happen if the dog were to escape again when there are more children around.

Recalling the terrifying moment she saw the dog running towards her with its teeth bared on Thursday, Ms Young told KentOnline: “It came out of nowhere in full-on attack mode.

“I heard its jaw lock, and I knew straight away it was not going to let go.

“I was trying my hardest to fight this dog off.

“I was absolutely devastated. My dog was yelping for help, and I was screaming for help at this point.”

She says without the builders running to their aid, the dog would have killed Maple.

“It was out for blood,” Ms Young said.

“Maple escaped, and she ran into the road, nearly getting hit by a car. She wouldn’t come back to any of us. She had blood all over her.”

Ms Young has not walked her dog since as she is too “petrified”.

“I took her to my salon the other day, but she was really anxious every time someone came in,” she said.

“She was cowering, whimpering, and hiding behind me.

“I’ve always been an animal lover, but now, when I see a dog off the lead, I instantly feel sick.

“I’m too scared it could happen again.

“It’s right near my son’s school. If it was an hour earlier, there would have been kids everywhere, and it could’ve gone for anyone.”

The dog was one of two that had escaped - but the other one “ran around barking” rather than joining the attack.

Maple required stitches and has to wear a cone for 10 days after the skin lesions were treated.

Ms Young was also taken to QEQM Hospital in Margate to treat the bite on her hand.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called at 10.27am on Thursday, December 5, to a report that a woman in her 30s and her dog had been bitten by an unleashed dog in The Ridings area of Cliftonville, Margate.

“Officers attended and carried out enquiries at the scene.

“A woman in her 60s from the local area was issued a community resolution requiring her to keep her dog muzzled and on a lead when out of the home.

“Serious injuries were not reported.”