A dog named Spike comes to rescue of boy, 11, impaled on metal fence

James Harrigan was hailed as a hero by medics for holding up young Jack Humphrey for 40 minutes after the boy was speared through the wrist by an 8ft fence.

The boy is recovering in the James Cook University Hospital after the horrific accident in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough.

Great North Ambulance paramedic Stuart Thompson, who was called to the scene, said: “The job showed how well ambulance, fire, police and ourselves all work together but also showed how a passer-by can make a huge difference in the time of need. He was a massive help to us, and kept the patient’s spirits up.

“Without doubt the serious injury would have been much worse without him – a true local hero.”

Mr Harrigan was walking Spike near Longlands Road, Middlesbrough, on Sunday when the pet ran straight towards the screaming boy, who had fallen from a tree on to the fence, tearing his arm from the elbow to the wrist.

The proud owner told a local newspaper: “Spike just shot off right to where the boys were. He was like Lassie.”

Mr Harrigan said his dog was not generally well-behaved, but added: “He really came into his own this time.”