Caerphilly dog attack: Jack Lis, 10, died of ‘severe injuries to head & neck’ after being mauled at home, inquest hears

A SCHOOLBOY died from "severe injuries to the head and neck" after being mauled by a dog as he visited a pal, an inquest heard today.

Jack Lis, ten, was savaged by the eight-stone animal nicknamed the "Beast" in Caerphilly, South Wales, on Monday afternoon.

He had been with a pal from Cwm Ifor Primary School when the horror unfolded.

An inquest heard today how a provisional cause of death was given as "severe injuries to the head and neck".

The hearing was told Jack was outside his house "playing with a friend" when they went to his pal's home in a neighbouring street.

Once inside, the coroner said Jack was "attacked by a dog".

Emergency crews rushed to the house but Jack's injuries were "unsurvivable" and he was declared dead at around 4.15pm.

He was identified by photos provided by his family to the manager of the mortuary, the hearing was told.

Senior coroner for Gwent, Caroline Saunders, said the circumstances surrounding Jack's death were "violent and unnatural".

The inquest was adjourned for "further inquiries" to be made and will be resumed at a later date.

A 28-year-old woman has been released on conditional bail after being arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

Two men, aged 34 and 19, were released after they attended voluntarily in relation to the same charge.

It previously emerged the dog's ex-owner Lee Jenkins was trying to get rid of it on October 29 amid fears it would attack.

He wrote a plea on a bulldog Facebook page claiming the American pitbull-style animal was "great with people" but "unfortunately does not like other dogs".

The owner said: "I've tried my best with him, I have other dogs and can not put them at risk.

"He needs someone with time."

'NOTHING TO DO WITH ME'

He accompanied the post with a picture of the hulking dog baring its rippling muscles.

The dog had only just been taken in by the family of one of Jack's schoolfriends when it viciously mauled the boy.

Mr Jenkins told The Sun: “I am not the owner of that dog, I told the police everything I know, they know I have nothing to do with it.

"It's not my dog and it's since been re-homed from me.”

Locals have told how the Beast was "known to be trouble" and reportedly bit another man and killed a cat.

A resident also claimed the “massive” dog had “lunged” at their three-year-old son a few days ago.

The "very large, powerful" dog had to be shot seven times by armed cops as they swooped on the street on Monday.

Horrified neighbours told how they heard Jack's friend scream "my dog has killed my friend" following the savage attack.

'BEAUTIFUL BOY'

A dog legislation expert has been brought in to examine it and see if it is an illegal breed.

Tributes flooded in for Jack after he was named by police.

His mum Emma, 32, wrote on Facebook: "With so much heartbreak and before close friends and family see his name in the news, I have to announce our beautiful boy Jack was taken so tragically yesterday.

"It was not our dog nor did it happen at our family home. He was out to play. We need the speculation to stop. The police will issue this formally later.

"We love you so much our sweet sweet boy."

His headteacher described Jack as "bright, caring and popular" in a statement.

Gareth Rees said: “The whole school community has been rocked by the tragic events of the past 24 hours.

"Jack was a bright and caring pupil who was popular amongst his peers and the teaching staff at Cwm Ifor.

"Our thoughts are very much with his family at this difficult time and we now need time and space to heal together as a school community.

"Appropriate support is being made available for pupils and staff over the coming days as we come to terms with this devastating news.”