AN 11-year-old girl is recovering in hospital tonight after being bitten in the face by a dangerous dog.

The girl was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead for treatment to facial injuries, mainly to the earlobe. Her injuries are not thought to be serious.

The incident happened at about 7pm in Hodkin Gardens, Gateshead, and involved a bull mastiff.

Police have arrested two males, aged 26 and 16, on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police on 08456-043043.