Owners of a husky that was injured after a fight with a neighbour's mastiff whilst being walked by their eleven-year-old son face a large vets bill.

Beata Wozniak and Matt Syzmczak, who live on The Beacon, say that they now have to pay around £300 to treat husky Balto's injuries, which include cuts to his paw and chest.

They claim that their neighbour's mastiff is a dangerous dog that remains a threat to children in the area.

Beata said: "We don't care about the money, we just want to protect our child. Next time it could be any child from the playground, it could be anyone."

But neighbours Sam Irish and Paige Powell, who own mastiff Hunter, say that the blame lies with Beata and Matt for letting their young son walk the husky on his own with no supervision.

Whilst the husky's owners claim that the mastiff jumped over the fence and ran out into the street to attack their dog, Sam and Paige say that in fact the boy lost control of the husky, who then ran into their garden.

Sam said: "If there was an adult walking the dog he wouldn't get into our garden."

Paige said: "I live right next to the school. Kids walk past here all the time, [Hunter's] not a danger to any child. They're just gentle giants but they get a bad name."

They also say that Beata visited them after the incident and asked for them to help contribute to the bill, which they refused.

After Thursday's fracas, both Balto and Hunter's owners called the police and made separate reports.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Essentially we are looking at a fight between two dogs and claim and counter claim of whom is responsible; no people were injured during this matter.

"A local PCSO has attended and spoken to both parties and words of advice have been given to all involved; no further policing action will be taken in relation to this incident."

After the incident on Thursday, Beata took Balto to Rosemullion Vets, who checked him over and treated an injury to his paw. Then, on Sunday, she says she noticed another injury on the husky's chest and took him back to the vet for further treatment.

A veterinarian advised her that it may have been a new injury sustained after the first incident but she was adamant it was not. Rosemullion Vets offered to treat the second injury with no separate charge.