Six-year-old attacked by raccoon on way to school

Aryan was attacked on his way to school and had to be saved by a neighbour Credit: Family handout/ NBC

A six-year-old boy has been left with horrific facial wounds after being "viciously" attacked by a raccoon while on his way to school.

Aryan Gavali was left with deep cuts on his cheek and a huge gouge under his right eye after the animal jumped on his back shortly after 8.30am on Wednesday morning and is now undergoing hospital treatment in New Jersey.

According to reports the six-year-old was only saved from further injury after his mother Monali screamed for help and neighbour Danny Walls rushed to grab the creature off his back.

Monali told NBC: "He saved my boy"

Aryan Gavali has been described as a Credit: Family handout/ NBC
The racoon is now being tested for rabies Credit: NBC

Danny beat the raccoon to death with a pole as he did everything he could to get the creature off Aryan after seeing him "viciously attacking him".

He said: "It was a huge raccoon - all over him, viciously attacking him and his face.

"I hit him maybe three or four times. "

According to local media reports the animal's body will now be tested for rabies and Aryan's family will be informed of the results as soon as possible.