A woman in her 20s is in a stable condition in hospital, after suffering serious injuries when she was attacked by a pitbull mastiff in her home in Co Cork.

She suffered serious injuries to both arms when the dog, belonging to her partner, attacked her at their home in Mitchelstown.

Gardaí had to draw their batons and repeatedly strike the dog to get him to release the woman after the attack.

She underwent emergency surgery to try and save her hands which were badly injured.

Gardaí managed to get the dog to a secure area where he was being held last night until his owner returns home.

But it is expected the dog will be put down.