Girl recovering well after 'dangerous' dog attack

The breed of the dog has not yet been disclosed by Essex Police

A child who suffered a serious facial injury when attacked by a "dangerously out of control" dog is recovering well, police said.

Essex Police found the injured girl upon arrival at Grigson Drive in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, at 12:25 BST on Wednesday.

A woman believed to be the owner of the dog was arrested at the scene, before she was released under investigation earlier.

Det Ch Insp Nathan Hutchinson said the child's injury, first deemed to be life-changing, was "not as severe as had initially been feared".

Her wound had been assessed and would require longer-term treatment, police said.

The force added it was not in a position to disclose the breed of the dog, but that it had been seized by officers.

Police officers took the girl to hospital themselves due to the severity of her injury

"This incident required an immediate and emergency attendance from response officers and detectives who were there within minutes," Mr Hutchinson said.

He revealed that officers were "so concerned" about the girl's injuries, they took her straight to hospital themselves.

"This undoubtedly meant assessment and treatment for her injuries could be carried out by medical experts as quickly as possible," the officer added.