The hunt is on for the owner of a dog that mauled a six-year-old girl after she was reassured that the pet was friendly.
The youngster was playing on the grass when she spotted a golden curly-haired dog believed to be a Cockerpoo with its elderly owner in Dorset on Wednesday.
The girl and her dad asked the woman if she could say "hello" and the owner said the dog was "friendly."
But as the girl bent down to stroke it, the dog suddenly mauled her hand and face leaving her face pouring with blood.
The owner apologised for the girl's injuries before her dad took her into Kinson Community Centre in Pelhams Park, Bournemouth, without taking the woman's details.
The girl was given first aid at the scene and then taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries.
Police would like to speak to the owner of the dog as they investigate the incident.
She is described as white, aged between around 60 and 70 years, around 5ft 5ins tall and of large build with dark brown, shoulder-length wavy or frizzy hair.
She was also wearing a short dark-coloured coat.
Police Constable Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police, said: "We are carrying out inquiries 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 and quoting occurrence number 55210076238.
