Schoolgirl injured in dog attack

Police are trying to track down a dog which attacked a young girl in an Edinburgh school playground.

The animal, said to be a black and brown Staffordshire bull terrier, set upon the 12-year-old child in Royston Primary School.
She suffered numerous bites and puncture wounds which narrowly missed her kidneys after she was knocked to the ground by the animal.

Lothian and Borders Police are now searching for witnesses to the attack.

The young victim was playing with her 11-year-old friend when she was attacked by the dog, which was not on a lead at the time.
She was only able to break free when a middle-aged woman, believed to be the dog's owner, pulled the animal off the girl.
The injured schoolgirl was taken to the city's Sick Children's Hospital for treatment and is now recovering at home.

The dog was said to be about 18 inches in height and had a distinctive black collar with black spikes poking out.

A police spokeswoman said: "This was a particularly vicious attack which has left a young girl with nasty injuries and in a traumatised condition.
"She is lucky to have not suffered more serious injuries.
"We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the incident to come forward and help the police with their enquiries.

"The police would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the dog and its owner."

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3735996.stm

(A picture of the girl and her injuries is attached.)