Rottweiler attack: Toddler seriously hurt in Rotherham

Rottweilers are often used as guard dogs (Getty Images)

A toddler is being treated for serious injuries in hospital tonight after being bitten by a Rottweiler.

South Yorkshire police said the two-year-old girl was injured in Rawmarsh, Rotherham, shortly before 10am today.

Police said the dog, believed to be a family pet, had been on a lead when the attack happened.

The victim had been with a woman and the dog at the time.

A police spokesman said: "The girl was taken by ambulance to Rotherham District General Hospital suffering from what are believed to be serious injuries to her head and to her leg.

"She has since been transferred to Sheffield Children's Hospital."

The dog has been taken to a secure kennel facility whilst police inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officers described the girl's condition as stable and not life-threatening.

PA