DOG MAULS TODDLER

The toddler suffered serious facial injuries when she was mauled by the Staffordshire bull terrier at a flat in Shadsworth, Lancashire.

The girl was with her mother visiting a woman family friend when the dog turned on her, a police spokesman said. It is understood that she had been playing with the animal in the living room as the two women sat nearby. Her condition was said to be “stable but poorly”.

Det Sgt Jonathon Holmes said the dog, which has no history of aggressive behaviour, is expected to be put down this weekend with the “full support” of its owners. Staffordshire bull terriers are not on the dangerous dogs list.