A YOUNG girl was taken to hospital after she suffered injuries to her hand and face from a dog bite incident in Bournemouth.

The six-year-old was playing on the grass outside Kinson Community Centre in Pelhams Park and saw a dog, believed to be a Cockerpoo or similar breed with blonde or golden curly hair, with her father nearby.

They asked the female owner if she could say hello and the woman said the dog was friendly. However, as the girl bent down to stroke it, the dog bit her on the hand and face.

The woman apologised when she saw blood coming from the girl’s injuries, but the girl’s father picked her up and took her into the community centre without taking the woman’s details.

First aid was given to the girl before she taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries.

Police said the owner of the dog is described as white, aged between around 60 and 70 years old, around five feet five inches tall and of large build with dark brown, shoulder-length wavy or frizzy hair. She was wearing a short dark-coloured coat.

Officers investigating the incident, which took place at around 5.05pm on May 14, are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

PC Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this incident and are keen to speak to the owner of the dog involved so we can take her account.

“I would urge anyone with information as to her identity, or anyone who saw what happened, to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210076238. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.