Latest news with #dogbite
Daily Mail
27 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders and The Bill actor at war with neighbours over fight for compensation after his wife's wrist was bitten by their dog at luxury holiday lodge
With tough guy roles in films such as Quadrophenia and Scum, John Blundell seems like he could handle anything. But the actor has revealed he and his wife Mercina are struggling to enjoy breaks at their luxury lodge in an upmarket resort over a bitter four-year legal dispute with neighbours. Relations with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after their tiny Chinese crested dog, Ziggy, bit Mrs Blundell, leaving her with a scar on her wrist. The dispute that spiralled out of the incident has resulted in the Blundells contacting police to claim they had been verbally abused, filmed, barked at and even had 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' sung at them. But the Girdiefski's firmly deny the claims, point out all criminal investigations have been dropped and say the Blundells remained friends with them – even inviting them to dinner – until an insurance claim over the dog bite incident faltered. The drama has played out at Fritton Lake, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, which is owned by Lord Somerleyton who tried – unsuccessfully – to mediate between the warring couples. The resort, set in 5,000 acres of countryside, has 115 lodges that sell for up to £350,000, while owners pay an £8,000 ground rent that includes access to a clubhouse with a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis and volleyball courts, a shop – and a floating sauna. Mr Blundell, 66, who has also appeared in EastEnders, The Bill, Just Good Friends and Juliet Bravo, complained: 'We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. 'This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare.' Mrs Girdiefski, a 61-year-old project manager – who has so far spent £19,000 on solicitor's fees and expects a damages bill of up to £11,000 after admitting liability, countered: 'We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. 'But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed.' She and her husband suspect their neighbours are 'doing this for the money' – an allegation flatly denied by the Blundells. Ziggy nipped at Mrs Blundell on June 21, 2021, two months after she and her husband bought their lodge. They had walked around 600ft through woodland to visit the Girdiefskis for the first time and were inside their property admiring their skylights. The bite broke the skin on Mrs Blundell's wrist and left her with a half-inch scar after she went to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston for treatment. The couple subsequently made a claim on the Girdiefskis' pet insurance but were turned down as it didn't happen in a public place. Mrs Blundell claims bad blood developed between the couples, saying: 'They would sneakily film us, hurl abuse at us. 'Alison would drive past really slowly… call us all the names under the sun, trying to irk a reaction. 'When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. 'They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. The couple contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023 to report the dog bite and harassment, as they said the Girdiefskis were filming them at the clubhouse to contradict Mrs Blundell's claim she had been left fearful of dogs since the attack. Officers gave words of advice to Mrs Girdiefski and put Ziggy on the force's register of dangerous dogs but took no further action due to the lack of evidence available after so much time had passed. They also decided no offence had been committed in relation to filming. A few weeks later Mrs Girdiefski was spoken to under caution by officers and issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract after the Blundells made a further complaint about harassment and threats to cause criminal damage. Police concluded no crime had been committed after receiving a further complaint earlier this year – following which the Blundells to launched the civil case as they were frustrated at the lack of progress. Mrs Blundell, who says a plastic surgeon quoted £1,500 to fix the scar on her wrist, said: 'All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. 'At some points, I have literally broken down. We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want.' The Girdiefski's deny every claim made against them and said relations with their neighbours remained amicable for more than a year after the dog bite. Mr Girdiefski, who works in forensic litigation, said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge… 'Suddenly, out of the blue, they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim.' Referring to the claim being turned down, his wife added: 'From this point on things changed. We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? 'We, from day one, have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. 'We wanted it settled [out of court] and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them.' Mr Blundell, who played 'Daddy' Pongo Banks in the brutal 1970s prison drama Scum and Leader of the Rockers in Quadrophenia – appearing opposite Ray Winstone in both films - added: 'This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. It is simply about accountability.' Lord Somerleyton, whose resort is frequented by celebrities including EastEnders stars Charlie Brooks and James Farrar and was used to film E4 reality show The Real Dirty Dancing with Anthea Turner and singer Lee Ryan - confirmed he had tried to orchestrate peace between the couples. 'We offered to sit down and try and talk things through and settle the feud in our own family business style kind of way,' he said. 'But the disagreement escalated well beyond our control and, once it ended up in court, there was not much more we could have done.' There have been several civil hearings, resulting in a judgement against the Girdiefskis. At the latest hearing, in Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court late last month, the Girdiefskis were told a settlement figure would be decided during a hearing at Norwich County County Court later this year. Mrs Girdiefski, whose principle property is in Norwich, said: 'These sums of money are just ridiculous – the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut.' Norfolk Police confirmed they had been contacted about a number of alleged incidents including a dog allegedly being dangerously out of control and a hate crime but had not taken action. A spokeswoman said of alleged harassment and threats to cause criminal damage between May 9, 2023, and July 7, 2023: 'A woman was questioned under caution (voluntary police interview). 'She was issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract in connection with anti-social behaviour which outlined she should not contact the victim/s.'
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Health unit tracking down owners of dog that bit toddler along Thornbury beach
The local health unit is requesting assistance from the public in identifying the owners of a dog that bit a toddler on a Thornbury beach. On Saturday, just before 9 p.m., a three-year-old was out on the beach in the Town of Blue Mountains when a large, black dog reportedly bit them. Health officials say the dog was walking with a man and a woman on a leash. Staff at Grey Bruce Public Health would like to confirm that the dog is not infected with rabies. By verifying the health of the dog, the victim can avoid receiving the post-exposure rabies treatment. If you have any information related to this incident, officials ask that you contact Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 ext 1330.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders & The Bill actor at war with neighbours after wife had hand bitten by tiny dog Ziggy
EASTENDERS star John Blundell is locked in a four-year legal battle with his neighbours after his wife was bitten by their dog. The bitter dispute started when John's wife, Mercina, was nipped by a Chinese crested dog, called Ziggy, while the couple were staying at their holiday home near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. 7 7 The actor's relationship with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after the incident in June 2021 - which left Mercina with a scar on her wrist. Since the bite, the Blundells claim that they have been harassed by their neighbours. Mercina accused the pair of targeting her and her husband by singing "who let the dogs out" and filming them when nearby. But the Girdiefski's have denied these claims, explaining that relations between the two couples had been fine before issues with insurance cropped up. Mr Girdiefski said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. "They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge. "Suddenly - out of the blue - they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim." Alison added: "We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. "But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed." The bite occurred two months after the Blundells purchased their lodge at Fritton Lake resort, which has more than 100 lodges for sale - ranging up to £350,000. The resort is owned by Lord Somerleyton and features 5,000 acres of countryside, a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis courts and a floating sauna. The Bill star John and his wife had been in their neighbour's lodge when she was bitten. Kate Lawler locked in bitter row with neighbour after controversial move - whose side are YOU on- Her wound was later treated at the nearby James Paget Hospital. They made a claim on their neighbour's pet insurance, but were denied because it didn't occur in a public space. It was from this point that Mercina claims the couple started verbally abusing her and her husband. She said: "They would sneakily film us and hurl abuse at us. "Alison would drive past really slowly. She would call us all the names under the sun and try to irk a reaction. "When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. "They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. "All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. "At some points, I have literally broken down. "We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want." John added: "We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. "This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare." 7 7 They contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023, reporting the dog bite and harassment. Ziggy was placed on the register of dangerous dogs and the couple were given a talking to by cops. John and Mercina then launched a civil case after police confirmed no further action was to be taken in relation to harassment. The Girdiefskis have already spent tens of thousand of pounds on legal fees, with final costs yet to be ruled in court. Mrs Girdiefski fumed: "These sums of money are just ridiculous. "This is the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut. "We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? "From day one, we have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. "We wanted it settled and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them." John responded: "This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. "It is simply about accountability." A final settlement figure will be decided at Norwich County Court later this year. 7
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders and The Bill actor at war with neighbours over fight for compensation after his wife's finger was bitten by their dog at luxury holiday lodge
With tough guy roles in films such as Quadrophenia and Scum, John Blundell seems like he could handle anything. But the actor has revealed he and his wife Mercina are struggling to enjoy breaks at their luxury lodge in an upmarket resort over a bitter four-year legal dispute with neighbours. Relations with Alison and Andrew Girdiefski soured after their tiny Chinese crested dog, Ziggy, bit Mrs Blundell, leaving her with a scar on her wrist. The dispute that spiralled out of the incident has resulted in the Blundells contacting police to claim they had been verbally abused, filmed, barked at and even had 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' sung at them. But the Girdiefski's firmly deny the claims, point out all criminal investigations have been dropped and say the Blundells remained friends with them – even inviting them to dinner – until an insurance claim over the dog bite incident faltered. The drama has played out at Fritton Lake, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, which is owned by Lord Somerleyton who tried – unsuccessfully – to mediate between the warring couples. The resort, set in 5,000 acres of countryside, has 115 lodges that sell for up to £350,000, while owners pay an £8,000 ground rent that includes access to a clubhouse with a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool, gym, tennis and volleyball courts, a shop – and a floating sauna. Mr Blundell, 66, who has also appeared in EastEnders, The Bill, Just Good Friends and Juliet Bravo, complained: 'We now go back to our home in Camden in London for a rest. 'This was supposed to be an idyllic holiday retreat and it has turned into a living nightmare.' Mrs Girdiefski, a 61-year-old project manager – who has so far spent £19,000 on solicitor's fees and expects a damages bill of up to £11,000 after admitting liability, countered: 'We were still all happy when they were going through the pet insurance stage and there was no animosity at all at this point. 'But when they learned that the pet insurance wouldn't pay out to them because the incident took place inside the holiday lodge, things changed.' She and her husband suspect their neighbours are 'doing this for the money' – an allegation flatly denied by the Blundells. Ziggy nipped at Mrs Blundell on June 21, 2021, two months after she and her husband bought their lodge. They had walked around 600ft through woodland to visit the Girdiefskis for the first time and were inside their property admiring their skylights. The bite broke the skin on Mrs Blundell's wrist and left her with a half-inch scar after she went to James Paget Hospital in Gorleston for treatment. The couple subsequently made a claim on the Girdiefskis' pet insurance but were turned down as it didn't happen in a public place. Mrs Blundell claims bad blood developed between the couples, saying: 'They would sneakily film us, hurl abuse at us. 'Alison would drive past really slowly… call us all the names under the sun, trying to irk a reaction. 'When they would go past, they would bark at us and growl, pretending to be dogs. 'They have shown no guilt or remorse and would even sing 'Who Let the Dogs Out?' as they passed. The couple contacted Norfolk Police in April 2023 to report the dog bite and harassment, as they said the Girdiefskis were filming them at the clubhouse to contradict Mrs Blundell's claim she had been left fearful of dogs since the attack. Officers gave words of advice to Mrs Girdiefski and put Ziggy on the force's register of dangerous dogs but took no further action due to the lack of evidence available after so much time had passed. They also decided no offence had been committed in relation to filming. A few weeks later Mrs Girdiefski was spoken to under caution by officers and issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract after the Blundells made a further complaint about harassment and threats to cause criminal damage. Police concluded no crime had been committed after receiving a further complaint earlier this year – following which the Blundells to launched the civil case as they were frustrated at the lack of progress. Mrs Blundell, who says a plastic surgeon quoted £1,500 to fix the scar on her wrist, said: 'All we wanted was an apology. Alison has abused us so many times and even threatened to burn our lodge down. 'At some points, I have literally broken down. We do not want animosity with anyone and this is not the retirement we want.' The Girdiefski's deny every claim made against them and said relations with their neighbours remained amicable for more than a year after the dog bite. Mr Girdiefski, who works in forensic litigation, said: 'We saw them multiple times after the incident. They were very friendly still. We even went for dinner at their lodge… 'Suddenly, out of the blue, they were asking for our pet insurance details and told us they would be making a claim.' Referring to the claim being turned down, his wife added: 'From this point on things changed. We thought they were doing this for money. Why else would they be doing it? 'We, from day one, have accepted responsibility. Our Ziggy did bite Mercina and we have never denied this. 'We wanted it settled [out of court] and have made multiple attempts to settle the matter with them.' Mr Blundell, who played 'Daddy' Pongo Banks in the brutal 1970s prison drama Scum and Leader of the Rockers in Quadrophenia – appearing opposite Ray Winstone in both films - added: 'This is absolutely nothing to do with financial gain at all. It is simply about accountability.' Lord Somerleyton, whose resort is frequented by celebrities including EastEnders stars Charlie Brooks and James Farrar and was used to film E4 reality show The Real Dirty Dancing with Anthea Turner and singer Lee Ryan - confirmed he had tried to orchestrate peace between the couples. 'We offered to sit down and try and talk things through and settle the feud in our own family business style kind of way,' he said. 'But the disagreement escalated well beyond our control and, once it ended up in court, there was not much more we could have done.' There have been several civil hearings, resulting in a judgement against the Girdiefskis. At the latest hearing, in Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court late last month, the Girdiefskis were told a settlement figure would be decided during a hearing at Norwich County County Court later this year. Mrs Girdiefski, whose principle property is in Norwich, said: 'These sums of money are just ridiculous – the sort of money you would expect to be paying somebody who has had their face ripped off by a dog, not this mere 1.2cm cut.' Norfolk Police confirmed they had been contacted about a number of alleged incidents including a dog allegedly being dangerously out of control and a hate crime but had not taken action. A spokeswoman said of alleged harassment and threats to cause criminal damage between May 9, 2023, and July 7, 2023: 'A woman was questioned under caution (voluntary police interview). 'She was issued with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract in connection with anti-social behaviour which outlined she should not contact the victim/s.'
CBC
09-07-2025
- CBC
Suspect in Saskatoon police pursuit taken to hospital with dog bite injuries, police say
A 32-year-old man was taken into custody and then transported to hospital for treatment of dog bite injuries after a police chase of a stolen vehicle ended in Saskatoon Wednesday morning. The stolen vehicle was reported at 7:53 a.m. CST and the police chase wound through south Saskatoon neighbourhoods, into the downtown and then back to the south side of the city before the man was taken into custody at 8:32 a.m. CST. Dozens of police cars were involved, and multiple civilian and police vehicles were damaged. Some police officers also fired their weapons. In the aftermath, the large truck could be seen lying on its side in the grass beside the off-ramp from Circle Drive onto Valley Road. There was a large hole in the windshield, and more than a dozen police cars and a black armoured vehicle were nearby. Police say the truck was a Ford F-550 owned by a private company that was conducting sewer work at Wiggins Avenue and Cascade Street, in the Adelaide/Churchill neighbourhood. Police say vehicles 'intentionally' damaged In an update Wednesday afternoon, Saskatoon police spokesperson Kelsie Fraser said a man on a bicycle rode up to the truck, got in and drove off. She said police vehicles were damaged in two incidents when the suspect "intentionally struck" them while trying to flee, but no police officers or civilians were injured. "We are thankful that this turned out the way that it did," Fraser said. She said the chase ended when a police vehicle intentionally drove into the truck and immobilized it at the Circle Drive off-ramp. The driver was extricated but "was still not compliant" with officers, she said. He was taken into custody with the help of the canine unit and then transported to hospital for dog bite injuries. Truck 'blew by' witness Eyewitness Luke Ryalls was on his way to work, making a right-hand turn from Isabella Street onto Broadway Avenue, when he first saw the truck. "Suddenly, something blew by me on my right, between me and the curb," he said. "The back of the truck was open and the cable was dangling out of it, and the cable actually banged into my vehicle as it was flying by." Ryalls called 911, then continued to work. He said he saw police cars at Taylor Street and Lorne Avenue setting up what appeared to be a spike belt on the road. Then, after he got to work at his office near downtown, he saw the same truck blow by again, this time with "a lot of cop cars" in hot pursuit. "My other colleague actually was waiting at the intersection at 22nd and Avenue C. She was on her way to work too, and she actually saw it ram a police vehicle at that location," he said. After the pursuit, at least one damaged police vehicle could be seen at the intersection of 22nd Street W. and Avenue C N. More police tape and officers were also at the intersection of 20th Street W. and Avenue C N. Police notified Saskatchewan's Serious Incident Response Team, an independent, civilian-led unit responsible for investigating serious incidents involving officers. However, Fraser said SIRT notified the police that the incident didn't meet their mandate, as no one was seriously injured or killed. Saskatoon police's serious assault unit is now leading the investigation. Charges were still being determined, Fraser said. Police said in a news release that before he stole the truck, the 32-year-old suspect assaulted a taxi driver, stole their vehicle and then struck a convenience store in the 1500 block of 22nd Street, around 6:40 a.m. CST. The man then entered the store, stole some cash, deployed bear spray and fled on foot, according to the release.
