25 October 2023 , 21:26
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A little girl was rushed to hospital yesterday after being bitten by a dog in a park.
The child, believed to be three, had blood over her face after the "small brown pitbull-type dog" pounced at around 3pm in Mansfield Park in Chingford, East London.
The dog was seized after the attack but no one has been arrested, Metropolitan Police said. Shocked witnesses said a man, thought to be the girl's father, suffered hand injuries in the disturbance.
Richard Woodburn, a 53-year-old man who saw the attack, told The Independent: "The owner was shouting at the dog to come back. Then I heard him shout louder and louder and then I heard screaming.
"I ran back up the hill but the dog was already being held down by the owner. The dad had to prise the dog off her head. He sustained injuries to his hands."
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
Mr Woodburn said he didn't think anything was wrong at first, but then he was asked by police to verify any injuries. The young girl showed Mr Woodburn the side of her head. "It was matted with blood," he said.
The witness continued: “The father was blaming himself for taking his kids to the park. How ridiculous to think like that? I really felt for him as he felt so guilty. The girl was crying to begin with and then was just in shock." Met Police said officers are continuing with their investigations.
It is the latest in a string of shocking dog attacks, including fatal maulings, across the country. In Ashington, Northumberland, a five-year-old boy needed surgery for serious injuries after a mutt attacked him. Neighbours had to hit and kick the dog in the head so it could release Kaiden Burn from its jaws. Police say the dog was seized with the owner's consent.
Dr Emma Chandley, a vet with more than 10 years' experience, exclusively told the Mirror Brits have become so attracted to XL Bullies, in particular, because of the damage they can cause to humans, and she is unsurprised to have seen a "big boom" in attacks lately.