A 13-YEAR-OLD boy was being questioned last night after a vulnerable woman was assaulted and her dog killed in an “horrific” attack in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police has launched an investigation into the incident in Yew Tree, which left the 38-year-old disabled victim with serious injuries.

On Sunday afternoon the mother-of-three found her dog, Willow, dead in her garden with lacerations to its torso.

The victim, who was in the house on her own, had let the Yorkshire terrier out into the back garden of her property on Snowberry Road at around 2pm.

On discovering her pet she also saw four males in the garden, who threatened her and forced her back into the property.

They then attacked her with what is thought to be a knife, causing numerous lacerations to her body and fled in the direction of Altfinch Close.

The 13-year-old was arrested yesterday morning on suspicion of assault and cruelty to animals.

An 18-year-old man, who was arrested on Monday, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment of her injuries and was released later that day.

She is currently being cared for by a family member away from the property, along with her three children.

Detective Inspector Rob Hill said police believed the incident was targeted: “This was a particularly horrific and cowardly attack on a vulnerable and defenceless woman.