Girl, 5, suffers 'significant injuries' in vicious dog attack outside shop

Police said the young girl received treatment in hospital and the dog had been seized.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said the owner of the dog remained at the scene after the attack.

"Officers attended the scene within minutes of the report being called in and provided medical assistance to the girl whilst waiting for the ambulance, " the force spokesman added.

"The girl has suffered significant injuries to her face and is receiving treatment in hospital.

"The owner of the dog remained at the scene following the attack and co-operated with police. The dog has been seized.

"We would politely ask people not post photos relating to the incident and to avoid speculating on social media whilst officers continue with their investigation."

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service added: "We were called at 6.25pm yesterday (August 12) to reports of an incident involving a dog bite in the Norton area of Stockton.

"We dispatched a paramedic crew who treated one patient with facial injuries before transporting to hospital."

It comes after a woman in her 80s also suffered severe injuries in a dog attack last Monday, August 7.

A dog, described as possibly a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, bit her on the leg in an alleyway in Farnborough.

Officers investigating this incident have been carrying out a number of enquiries in the area, including speaking to witnesses at the scene and carrying out CCTV scoping.

Hampshire Police said: "We would now like to hear from anyone we have not yet spoken to who was in the area at the time and saw what happened or the moments leading up to it.

"We appreciate that the description of the dog and its owner are limited, however it is the best we have available at this time." If you were in the area at the time and saw anything, or have any information that may assist our enquiries, please call 101 quoting reference 44230318017."