A five-year-old girl is being treated for serious facial injuries after being attacked by a dog outside a shop.
The child was mauled outside a Nisa store in the Norton area of Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, at 6.30pm on Saturday.
She was taken to hospital after emergency services were called.
The owner of the dog remained at the scene following the attack. The animal has been seized.
Cleveland Police are investigating and urged people not to speculate about the incident.
A spokesperson for the force said: “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.”
