A young girl has suffered from serious facial injuries after being attacked by a dog on a residential street.
Essex Police were called to Grigson Drive in Clacton shortly after 12.25pm on Wednesday to reports of a dangerously out-of-control dog and found the injured child.
The little girl was taken to hospital for treatment for what was feared to be a life-changing injury, and a woman was arrested on suspicion of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control.
On Thursday evening, Essex Police said their investigation was progressing, and the woman had been released under investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Nathan Hutchinson said: ‘It’s important for us to be as open and transparent with our communities as we possibly can.
Essex Police were called to Grigson Drive in Clacton (pictured) shortly after 12.25pm on Wednesday to reports of a dangerously out-of-control dog
Essex Police said their investigation was progressing, and the woman had been released under investigation
‘At this time, we’re not yet able to confirm the dog breed but we can confirm it has been disclaimed by the owner and has been seized by police.’
He added: ‘The early stages of this investigation have focused on the welfare of the young child and her family and I’m glad to say her injuries are not as severe as had initially been feared.
‘Although she will require some ongoing treatment, she is recovering well.’
Mr Hutchinson said: ‘This incident required an immediate and emergency attendance from response officers and detectives who were there within minutes, which has led to an incredibly thorough and prompt investigation.
‘I’m proud of the response from all teams involved, most especially those responding officers who were so concerned about the child’s injuries that they took the decision to take the child straight to hospital on a blue-light run.
‘This undoubtedly meant assessment and treatment for her injuries could be carried out by medical experts as quickly as possible.’
