A 10-year-old boy whose leg was torn apart in a pit bull attack has told how dogs are still his favourite animals.

Brave Nicolas Paz Vieira Souza do Nascimento survived the brutal attack in front of his home in Sao Joao de Meriti, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, on 27th June.

But his leg was so badly savaged that his calf needed reconstructive surgery.

Shocking CCTV footage of the mauling shows how the vicious dog attacked him in the street.

It was only driven off when Nicholas’s brother and a neighbour drove it off with kicks and punches.

Following the attack, Nicolas spent 10 days in hospital for reconstructive surgery.

He told local media he did not remember much of the incident, saying: “I only remember one part, when the dog shook my leg and tore off a piece.”

His proud mum, housewife Roberta Paz, spoke of her son’s bravery, telling local media: “He had a tear in his left calf muscle. It was very open.

“The pit bull tore off a good piece of his little leg.

“They said he was very strong because at no time did he cry. He didn’t cry, he tried to calm me down the whole time.

“Thank God he was very strong, he was my warrior. He’s my little hero.”

And Nicolas said he bears no grudges against the pit bull, saying: “It’s the owner’s fault. I won’t be scared of dogs, because they’re my favourite animal.”

At the time of reporting, police were still looking for the pit bull’s owner.

A 2005 state law dictates that dangerous dog breeds can only be owned by people aged 18 or over and that the pet must wear a collar and a muzzle.