Boy, 3, hospitalised after suddenly being attacked by gang of SQUIRRELS
He had only just plucked up the courage to feed the animals when they attacked him
A THREE-year-old boy was hospitalised with blood pouring from his hand - after being attacked by a gang of SQUIRRELS.
Sophie Renouf, 22, was taking her son Finley for a walk in the woods when he reached out to feed one of the animals.
But this gesture took a turn for the worst when five more suddenly burst out of the nearby bushes and jumped on the startled youngster.
Sophie, of Redruth, Cornwall, said: "There was literally one squirrel there and my son, as you would, fed him as usual.
"Next thing, six of them came running out of the hedge and then, all of a sudden, all I remember is him screaming.
"I looked - and there was blood pouring out of his hand."
Sophie rushed to intervene - and had to battle one of the animals which was scrambling up her leg.
Tearful Finley was immediately taken to the minor injuries unit at nearby Barncoose Hospital.
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There he was transferred to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske, where medics spent three hours treating his puncture wounds and bandaging his fingers.
His mum said: "He's ok. We just have to keep it covered up with plasters and bandages so he won't get an infection from any dirt.
"I was obviously very concerned as never in a million years would I put his safety at risk so if I thought they would hurt him I'd never have let him do it. I feel awful that it happened."
Sophie now wants to pass on a warning about feeding wild squirrels.
She said: "I've fed them when I was a child. If it put them in danger then you wouldn't ever let them do it - but you don't expect it to happen.
"I asked if he had touched its tail and he said no. I didn't see him do anything like that, so I assume they've just had babies - or they're about to."
Finley had only just plucked up courage to feed the creatures after being convinced it was safe by his parents.
Sophie said: "I just want to let other people know. I don't want other children to go down there and get bitten."
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