A BRAVE Oldbury firefighter had to be taken to hospital this weekend after being attacked by a violent dog.

The firefighter was tackling a garden blaze in Tividale when the Japanese Akita jumped and knocked him over before biting his back on Saturday at 5pm.

West Midlands Fire Service’s commander for Sandwell and Dudley, Neil Griffiths, tweeted a picture of the injuries.

The victim was taken to Sandwell Hospital where he was treated for his injuries before being released and was back to work the following day.

Police are investigating the attack at Hill Road, Tividale.

Firefighters from Oldbury station attended the blaze which had started in a small pile of garden waste at the back of the property.