Dad and daughter bitten in attack by pocket bully

The man sustained wounds to his arm while trying to protect his daughter

A father was bit by a dog as he shielded his daughter - who had just been attacked by the animal, police have said.

The creature, a pocket bully breed, fled from its owner on Catherine Road in Burngreave, Sheffield, and bit the girl, injuring her shoulder during the incident.

Her dad sustained wounds to his right arm while trying to protect her, before the owner got control of the dog and left the scene.

South Yorkshire Police released details of the incident, which took place on Friday, and urged dog owners to "step up responsibility" for their animals.

Insp Steve Usher, from the dangerous dogs team, said the force received an average of five calls per day reporting dogs causing fear or harm.

He said seizing dogs and investigating incidents could "ultimately be avoided" and put "unprecedented demand" on the force.

An investigation has been launched and the dog believed to have been involved remained in police kennels, the force said.

"Your dog is your responsibility, you will be held accountable for its actions if it harms or causes fear to anyone," it added.

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