Girl, six, bitten by dog in playground attack

Police yesterday appealed for witnesses to the attack, which took place near the ranger station at Sandall Beat Woods at 
around 2.30pm on Saturday, August 10.

The girl was accompanied by her aunt and two cousins when a brindle-coloured Staffordshire bull terrier, which was reportedly not on its lead, began barking at them.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: “It is alleged that the dog broke free of the man’s grip and bit the six-year-old girl on her left knee.

“The girl, from the local area, was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary and treated for puncture wounds to her knee.

“Officers are keen to trace the man with the dog.”

He is described as white and in his late 30s, of average build and around 5ft 9in tall.

He was said to be unshaven, with short black or dark brown hair that was slicked back, and of a “scruffy” appearance. He was riding a matt-black mountain bike.

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “We are really sorry to hear of this dog attack on a young girl and we wish her a swift recovery.

“We urge people who are walking their dogs to keep them under control whenever they are in public places.

“In Sandall Beat Wood there is a children’s play park and people should exercise particular caution.”