The family of a seven-year-old boy who was bitten on the head by a dog in the beer garden of a pub where his mum works, has slammed the animal's owners for not coming forward.
The youngster suffered serious injuries to his scalp and needed emergency surgery following the shocking attack in Swanage, Dorset on Tuesday afternoon.
The owners of the large dog, possibly a German Wirehaired Pointer, left the pub before the emergency services arrived and without leaving their details.
It has since emerged that the couple, a man and a woman aged in their late 40s or early 50s, were visitors to the seaside resort.
They had been staying in their own campervan at a local holiday park which they have since left.
The police have been given their details by staff at the park.
The boy, who has not been named, was at the Crow's Nest Inn pub in Swanage at the time of the attack, as his mother works there.
A family friend said today that he was 'on the mend' after undergoing an operation under general anaesthetic at Poole Hospital.
His auntie has taken to social media to express her anger that the dog owners hadn't turned themselves in.
She said: "I can't believe they still haven't been found or why they have not come forward. What kind of people are they?
"Absolutely Shocking.
"After the attack the couple took their dog and immediately left.
"The police are still looking for them.
"This is extremely serious and is important that they find this dog.
"This dog was not on a lead. My nephew did not do anything to provoke the attack.
"He had surgery on his head and thank God is recovering.
"They need to be caught before it happens again as maybe that person/child might not be so lucky next time."
Dorset Police has issued a photo of the man and woman restraining a dog moments after the attack.
The man has short cropped grey hair and was wearing black-rimmed glasses at the time.
The woman has shoulder-length brown hair and was wearing a dark blue or black jacket and blue and white shorts at the time.
The dog is believed to be either a German Wirehaired Pointer or an Italian Spinone breed. It has brown and white shaggy fur.
PC Alistair James, of Purbeck police, said: "This was understandably a distressing incident for the young boy involved and his family and we hope he makes a full recovery from his injury.
"We are conducting enquiries into this matter and have obtained an image of a man and woman with the dog that was believed to be involved.
"We are keen to speak to these people so we can take their account of what happened.
"I would urge anyone with information relating to their identity to please come forward. I would also ask the man and woman pictured to please do the right thing and come forward.
"I would also like to hear from any witnesses to the incident who have not already spoken to police."
