Toddler is savaged by dog as she played

UNITED KINGDOM -- A toddler was left with bites to her face after she was viciously attacked by a dog in a children’s play area at a popular park.

Little Libby Jane Wilson needed hospital treatment following the incident at Yarrow Valley Country Park, off Birkacre Road, Chorley, on Sunday afternoon. The two-year-old was left “traumatised and distraught” as a result of the attack, said her mother Christie Wilson.

The two-year-old was left “traumatised and distraught” as a result of the attack, said her mother Christie Wilson.

Now police are trying to trace the owner of the Jack Russell dog – which was not on a lead – who, said Christie, simply left the scene without even an apology.

Libby Jane had been taken to the Chorley Council-owned park by her father Alex Knight.

Christie, 21, of Gloucester Road, Chorley, explained: “She was playing in the tunnel and her dad was on top of the tunnel waiting for her to come out the other end and the dog ran over and ran into the tunnel and attacked her.

“The owner was walking through the park and the dog wasn’t on a lead. Alex went into the tunnel and kicked the dog away. He shouted ‘get hold of your dog’. If he hadn’t jumped down it would have been a hell of a lot worse.”

Christie said the owner shouted to the dog “Bud Bud” and it returned to him and he walked away.

Alex took his daughter home to Christie after first taking her to the park cafe to clean her up after the incident, which happened at around 12.30pm.

“She was traumatised, distraught,” said Christie, who runs a hair extensions business. “I was sick to my stomach, and had panic attacks. It was shocking.”

Christie said she could not understand why the owner did not show concern.

“I just want him to come forward,” she said. “It would have been a whole different ball game if he had stopped. He’s obviously not bothered. He’s more concerned about his dog.”

Libby Jane was treated for her injuries at Chorley Hospital and allowed home.

Christie said: “She’s been put on antibiotics. She’s got two punctures to her face.”

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “An officer has been out and spoken to the family to get more details and will be doing some follow up in the area. Inquiries are ongoing.”

Jamie Carson, Chorley Council’s director of public protection, streetscene and community, said: “We are sorry to hear that a young girl was bitten by a dog at Yarrow Valley Country Park and hope she is okay.

“We had rangers on duty over the weekend but this incident was not reported to us. The rangers do continually remind people to keep their dogs on leads in and around play areas but we understand the police have been informed and we will endeavour to help with their enquiries.”

(Lancashire Evening Post - Apr 14, 2015)