A FAMILY attacked by a dog killed it while trying to stop the animal from causing more injuries.

Two people - one with potentially life-changing injuries - were rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, this morning after a dog attack in Boughton Avenue, St John's, Worcester.

Another person also received injuries.

The dog was dead when officers arrived. 

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We can confirm that the dog died during the incident when the family were trying to stop it from harming the individuals and in the prevention of it causing any more injury."

A neighbour said they saw a man leave the house carrying a hammer before sinking to the floor in apparent 'relief' as police arrived on scene. 

The breed of the dog is still unknown while police await confirmation from a vet.