Five-year-old girl, mutilated in the face by a dog, runs into the street covered in blood

A five-year-old girl had her face horribly mutilated by a dog while playing in a house.

The young man was severely bitten by the pet inside a home on Chesterton Road, Garston, on Saturday afternoon.

Three police cars and three paramedical vehicles rushed to the spot where the girl ran out of the address covered in blood.

The girl was taken to Alder Hey, where she stayed for two nights and underwent surgery to repair major injuries to her face.

The dog, said to a pit bull cross, has been destroyed.

The girl’s aunt said her niece had been invited to a neighbor’s house, but that while she was inside she was attacked by a dog in the kitchen.

The relative, who has asked not to be identified, told ECHO: “My sister called me in distress on Saturday, she couldn’t breathe.

“The neighbor across the street had called my niece to play, but the dog had attacked her and ripped the side of her face off.

“I’ve seen the injury, it was horrible.

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“We are distressed, it is a beautiful and delicate little thing.

“But she’s tough and optimistic, a bit of a fighter.”

Merseyside Police are investigating the incident and it is understood that statements have been taken from those involved.

Because the attack occurred on private property, and not in a public place or outdoors, and the animal was a legal breed, if it is not yet clear whether any crime has been committed.

Family members said the girl had asked if she could give the dog a cookie when she attacked.

Since then, through tears, she asked her family: “Will the hospital make me beautiful again?”

It is understood that the dog has only been living at the address for several days.

The aunt added: “We are very angry and upset.

“I am angry at dog owners who do not take ownership and responsibility for things that happen.”

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “We can confirm that officers are investigating following a dog attack in Garston on Saturday, November 21.

“Around 2pm, police and ambulance services were called to Chesterton Street to receive reports that a five-year-old girl had been bitten by a dog in a home.

“She received injuries to her face and was taken to hospital for treatment.

“The dog was destroyed and our investigations continue”