A little girl savaged by a dog outside a Christchurch play area remains in hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries.

The nine-year-old suffered ankle injuries and is believed to have had a skin graft at Salisbury Hospital.

She was attacked by an english bull terrier-type dog near the Quantock Court Play-ground in Hunt Road, Somerford, at 8.15pm on Monday this week.

The dog, believed to be owned by Paige Robertson and called Dylan, was destroyed following the terrifying incident.

A spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed the young victim is still in hospital.

The dog owner, a 20-year-old woman, has been reported for owning a dog dangerously out of control and police inquiries are continuing.