A little boy has been hospitalised after he was attacked and bitten by Staffordshire Terrier/Pitbull cross in a Radcliffe play park yesterday.
The 10-year-old was attacked whilst playing on King Georges Field behind Outwood Road in Radcliffe, at about 2.10pm on Tuesday August 4.
He had to spend the night in hospital as the bite to his ankle pierced the skin on both sides and he had scratches on his right forearm.
Detective Inspector Caroline Ward said: “The young boy has spent the night in hospital being treated for his injuries.
“While we don’t think they are life-threatening or life-changing and we expect him to make a good recovery, he and his family are clearly very upset by what has happened.
“We need to trace both the owner of the dog, and the dog itself, so we can ensure that no-one else is attacked or hurt in this way.
“That is why we are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward.”
The owner threw a drink over the animal in an attempt to stop the unprovoked attack and then dragged it away towards a wooded area.
DI Ward made a personal plea to the owner of the dog to come forward, to prevent any further damage from being caused.
She said: “I would particularly urge the owner of the dog to make contact with us.
“A young boy has been injured and both he and his family are extremely upset so please, do the right thing and make yourself known to police.”
The owner has been described as being white, in her twenties or thirties, with dark hair and a large build wearing either shorts or a skirt, and a cap.
The dog is said to be a Staffordshire Terrier/Pitbull cross, with a brown coat and white legs.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
