Girl, 2, hurt in play park dog attack

A TWO-year old girl was left with facial injuries after being bitten by a dog in a city play park.

The child had just been picked up from nursery at around 4pm yesterday by her mother and taken to the playpark at Castlepark Green.

As they left, they were approached by the dog which wasn’t on a lead and appeared to be without an owner.

Without provocation the dog bit the little girl, causing facial injuries.

A man who was walking in the area ran to the assistance of the child, forced the dog off the child and the dog ran off.

The child was taken to Craigmillar Medical Practice where she was treated for a facial cut and scratches.

Officers are now trying to trace the dog responsible, which is described as being a brown Staffordshire Bull Terrier with black spots and a heavy build.

They are also looking to trace the person who came forward to help the family.

Inspector Roddy Hardy said: “This was a traumatic incident for the child and we are grateful that there was a member of the public available to help them.

“The dog responsible had no owner that the mother could see, and ran off in an unknown direction. As such, we are keen to trace the animal as a matter of urgency to ensure no further incidents occur.

“Similarly, we are keen to trace the good Samaritan who came to the aid of the little girl to see if they have any further information to help with our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information that can assist our enquiries should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers, where information can be reported anonymously, on 0800 555 111.