WARNING: This article contains graphic images. An heroic Eltham 11-year-old who saved his mum and baby brother from a 'berserk' dog had a lump bitten out of his face by the vicious animal and needed plastic surgery.

Middle Park Primary pupil Jack Mackay intervened when the dog - described by his family as a bull mastiff - slipped its owner's lead in Keynsham Gardens where around 30 children were playing.

News Shopper: 'Berserk' Eltham dog bites hole in boy's face as he tries to save mum and baby brother

Mum Lucy Farlam, 29, said: "He got off the lead and just started going berserk. The kids scarpered here, there and everywhere.

"I was holding my eight-month-old baby Jacob and it was jumping up at me to get to him, biting at my side."

The mum-of-four went on: "I kicked the dog off of me to save my baby. His owner was shouting 'don't scream or shout because the dog doesn't like it'.

"So, to get the dog of me and my baby, Jack screamed so the dog charged at him instead. It had him on the floor and starting biting at his face and arm."

News Shopper: 'Berserk' Eltham dog bites hole in boy's face as he tries to save mum and baby brother

Dad Martin Mackay rushed to his son's aid, "rugby tackling" the crazed animal which then charged at Ms Farlam and her child again, chasing her into a neighbour's hallway before it was finally brought under control.

She said: "They were intense bites Jack had on him. It had bitten a hole into his face so the flesh was missing. The dog was trying to get his neck to kill him.

"I think he deserves an award for what he's done. He thought fast to get that dog away from my baby."

After the April 8 attack, young Jack was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital before being sent home again, heading to St Thomas' Hospital where he was eventually given plastic surgery along with stitches to his face and arm.

News Shopper: 'Berserk' Eltham dog bites hole in boy's face as he tries to save mum and baby brother

Ms Farlam said: "Jack's doing really well actually. It's me that isn't. I can't sleep. I can't stop thinking what if he got my baby, I'd never see my son again. I nearly lost both of them. I wouldn't go near a dog now, no matter how little they are.

"I'd just like to say thanks to all my neighbours who helped out that day."