Shocking picture shows horrifying injuries of boy, 9, mauled by pitbull leaving his face ‘destroyed’

A NINE-year-old boy suffered horrific life-changing injuries after being mauled by a pitbull.

Alejandro Mizsan's face was "destroyed" in the gruesome dog attack while he was playing with pals near his home in Enniscorthy, Wexford.

The schoolboy was rushed to hospital in Dublin where he underwent multiple surgeries.

His family have since released photos of Alejandro's bloody wounds, inflicted by the off-leash and unmuzzled beast last week.

The graphic images show his face ripped apart, his bottom lip torn off and his cheeks with huge gashes.

Alejandro also suffered serious injuries to his legs and torso.

Brother Raul said his younger sibling is expected to remain at Crumlin Children's Hospital until January, meaning he will miss Christmas at home. He may also never talk again.

The 21-year-old told : "His face is totally destroyed.

"He can’t talk at the moment and I don’t know if he will be talking again. He won’t be the same as he used to be."

Raul added: "He just wants to hold my hand when he wakes up.

"I don't want anyone else to feel the pain that we are going through at the moment.

"My little brave brother loves [mixed martial arts champion] Conor McGregor and he will keep fighting like his hero."

Police have charged a 27-year-old man in connection with the attack on November 27 at around 4pm.

Unemployed Niall Byrne appeared before Gorey District Court on two charges of threatening to kill two people at Old Forge Road.

He was also charged with three road traffic offences unrelated to the dog attack.

Byrne was remanded into custody ahead of his appearance at Wexford District Court on December 5.

Alejandro was playing football near his home when the dog "appeared out of nowhere" and pounced.

Neighbours came to the lad's aid and managed to free him from the hound's mouth using a baseball bat or large stick, it is understood.