A TWO-year-old girl was left needing stitches after being attacked by a dog in Muscliff.

Police said this morning that the girl was bitten on the face by the dog at around 10.30am on Thursday.

It happened at Tolpuddle Gardens, outside Rowlands Pharmacy.

PC Dan Smith, of Bournemouth police, said: “This incident left the victim and her mother very distressed. It was fortunate that the injury was not more serious.

“They both approached a light brown dog, believed to be a Beagle, which was tied up outside the pharmacy. While the mother had briefly turned away, the child stroked it and she was bitten.

“I am particularly keen to speak to a young woman, described to be white, in her late teens with long dark hair. She was seen with the dog at the time and I believe she could help us ascertain exactly what happened.

“I would like to speak the owner of the offending dog and to any witnesses or anyone with information as soon as possible.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 13:336.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.