A man has been arrested and a dog seized after reports a three-year-old girl was bitten in the face, police have said.

Merseyside officers were called to Newtown Gardens, outside the Market Tavern pub, in Kirkby, northeast of Liverpool, on Saturday afternoon following a report a dog had attacked a child.

The toddler was taken to hospital for treatment of her injuries, thought to be serious but not life-threatening.

Police attended and seized the dog, which will be examined in order to determine the breed.

A 31-year-old man from Ormskirk has been arrested on suspicion of affray and having a dog dangerously out of control in a public place.

He has been taken into custody to be questioned.

Read more: Two XL bully dogs shot dead after killing 22 pregnant sheep

More schools and other public buildings with structural problems could come to light, Jeremy Hunt says

UK weather: Highest temperature of the year could hit this week as heatwave hits

Mason Greenwood’s new manager says loan signing is ‘delicate issue’

Chief Inspector Jim Wilde said: “This was a horrific attack which has left a young girl receiving hospital treatment for significant injuries to her face.

“I want to reassure people that she is currently receiving the best possible care and treatment for her injuries at Alder Hey, and we hope she makes a speedy recovery.

“We seized the dog at the scene, which will now be humanely destroyed, and extensive efforts are now under way to establish exactly what happened.”

Police said the area was busy at the time and, while they have spoken to a number of witnesses, they are still appealing for more to come forward.

Related posts:

Two people arrested after ‘trespassing’ at Prince Andrew’s Windsor home British student thanks army for evacuating him after going to Afghanistan on holiday Two men charged over murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Northern Ireland Investigation over honours and citizenship for Saudi national launched by police ‘We’re living in days of fakes and lies’: Putin’s spokesman denies war crimes but admits ‘significant’ Russian losses David Beckham feared for family’s safety after alleged stalker turned up at his daughter’s school ‘Best moment of my life’: Man City unveil statue of Sergio Aguero on 10th anniversary of title-winning goal Stephen Flynn becomes new SNP leader in Westminster Race organisers deny ‘cheating’ ultrarunner told them she had pulled out of competition before she accepted lift Fifteen dogs seized and woman arrested after fatal dog attack Tory MP suspended over harassment and drugs allegations to stand down GCHQ worker admits attempting to murder American colleague in knife attack