A young girl was bitten by a straying dog in a sustained attack leaving her in hospital.

The dog, described as tanner or light brown went up to the nine-year-old girl and bit her a ‘number of times’ on the legs.

She was left needing hospital treatment at James Cook University Hospital and is now back home. Her injuries were not life threatening.

The incident happened on Burwell Road in Middlesbrough at about midday on Wednesday (December 27).

No owner was present and the dog was not wearing a lead or collar.

Its breed is yet to be confirmed.

Cleveland Police say officers are trying to track down the owner of the dog, and are appealing for help from anyone with information.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. With our latest deal you can pay £3 for three months, or get 40% off a 12-month subscription. Click here.

The Teesside force said: “Officers are appealing to trace witnesses and footage after a nine-year-old girl was bitten by a dog in Middlesbrough.

“Officers are continuing with their enquiries to locate the dog and its owner, and have been carrying out a number of enquiries including house to house and CCTV in the local area.

 “Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone who may have CCTV or dash cam footage in the area of the incident or of the incident itself, is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting incident number 252544.”