A nine-year-old boy was rushed to hospital with serious injuries following a terrifying dog attack as he walked with his family.
Police are now appealing for information about the dog, said to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which was not accompanied by an owner.
The schoolboy was hurt at around 7.30pm last night in Basildon, Essex.
The victim was with his family walking their dog at Langdon Hills Recreation Ground when it happened.
Witnesses said the terrier attacked the family's dog before mauling the boy when he tried to separate the animals.
Essex Police are appealing for anyone who saw the attack or a dog matching the description.
Officers are searching the area in an effort to locate the dog, the force said.
A spokesman said: "We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time and witnessed the attack, saw a dog matching this description in the area, or knows where the dog may have come from.
"We understand that this incident will cause concerns within the community, but officers are in the area searching for the dog and speaking to as many people as possible to find out if they have any information, which could help us with our investigation."
