Dad’s tribute to baby attacked by fox

The father of a month-old baby dragged from his cot by a fox has paid tribute to his “poor boy” as he continues his recovery in hospital.

Denny Dolan was seriously injured after the animal entered the house near Bromley, south east London, where he lives with his parents, named in reports as Hayley Banks Cawley, 28, and Paul Dolan.

Surgeons reportedly had to reattach one of the baby’s fingers after the incident on Wednesday. He also had cuts to his face which needed stitches.

Messages of support for Denny have flooded on to his mother’s Facebook page, while Mr Dolan posted a photograph on the site which showed his son with his hand heavily bandaged.

In the picture caption Mr Dolan wrote: “My poor boy.”

The baby was said to be “recovering well” in hospital after being moved from the high dependency unit.

Lorraine Murphy, the child’s aunt, said his mother had gone upstairs when she heard a bang and rushed back down to find the fox dragging the baby towards the door.

The attack took place in Downham, which is about two miles north of Bromley, but lies within the borough of Lewisham.

Local councillor Julia Fletcher said she was aware of complaints of people leaving food out for foxes in the area in recent years.

“On occasions there have been complaints of people feeding foxes but this is the first serious issue in the area,” she said.

The councillor added that the last complaint she was aware of was some four years ago.

Residents have been urged to take measures to ensure foxes are not attracted to homes.