Toddler injured in dog attack at Rustington

The girl was taken to Worthing Hospital for treatment, but fortunately her injury was only minor.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack, in Ash Lane at about 11.05am.

The girl, who was with her two older brothers and her mother, approached

the dog which was on a lead and with its owner. Her mother asked the

owner if the dog was friendly and if it would be ok for her children to

stroke the dog. The owner, a woman, assured the mother that it was ok

for her children to stroke the dog.

However, the dog then turned and bit the girl in the face, throwing her to the ground. She was taken to hospital by ambulance but was later discharged with minor facial injuries.

Police seek 'Scooby'

After the attack, the owner of the dog was seen to walk away in the direction of the Churchill car park.

PC Kevin Stephenson of the Littlehampton police neighbourhood response team, wants to speak to the owner of the dog, who is described as a

white, aged 40-50 years, with ginger hair and a fair complexion. She was wearing a long white opened top and blue jeans or leggings. The

dog was heard to be called 'Scooby'.

Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the attack, or knows anyone matching the description of the owner, with a dog called 'Scooby' or similar, is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.

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