Two-year-old girl mauled by dogs in 'horrific' attack

Toddler in hospital after suffering serious injuries to head and body

Police close the road in Cockburn Street in Toxteth, Liverpool, after a two-year-old girl was seriously injured after being attacked by dogs in the garden of a house in Liverpoo (Peter Byrne/PA)

A two-year-old girl has been taken to hospital after being mauled by dogs while playing in a garden.

Merseyside Police said the toddler suffered serious injuries to her head and body in the attack in Cockburn Street, Toxteth, Liverpool, after dogs managed to enter the garden of the house where she was playing.

A 35-year-old man from Toxteth has been arrested on suspicion of having dangerous dogs out of control.

Emergency services were called to the house at about 3.40pm after reports a child had been bitten by a dog and a woman had also been injured.

The girl was treated at the scene before being taken by air ambulance to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Her condition is described as serious but not life-threatening.

The injured woman, who rescued the girl from the dogs, was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, where she received treatment for minor injuries.

Police seized five dogs and five puppies from the home of the man who was arrested.

Specialist officers are working to establish the breed of the animals.

Chief Inspector Dave Westby said: "This was a horrific attack which has resulted in a two-year-old girl suffering extensive injuries to her head and body.

"The investigation is in its early stages, but it is believed that the child was playing in the back garden of a relative's address with two other children, aged four and six, when a number of dogs from a nearby house managed to get in to the garden.

"At this stage it is believed that the little girl was attacked by more than one dog, and officers are trying to establish how many dogs were involved in the incident.

"Fortunately, a relative who was in the house was able to rescue the child from the dogs.

"I want to reassure people that the little girl is now getting the best possible care and treatment for her injuries at Alder Hey Children's' Hospital.

"An extensive investigation is under way to establish exactly what has happened and to determine how many dogs were involved in the incident and the breed of dogs involved.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, who may have information which could help us with our investigation, to come forward as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is urged to call detectives on 0151 777 4065, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

Additional reporting by Press Association