A five-year-old boy has been left with severe face and neck injuries after being mauled by a dog and will now undergo surgery.
Ambulance crews rushed to a home in Sunshine, Lake Macquarie on Sunday afternoon after the youngster was attacked by the animal about 4.30pm.
The youngster was treated at the scene by two ambulance crews.
The pet is understood to be a Rottweiler-type breed and is now due to be euthanised.
He was flown by Westpac helicopter to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in western Sydney.
A NSW Ambulance spokesman said the injuries could be life-changing.
Police have secured the dog and launched an investigation into the attack in conjunction with Lake Macquarie Council.