POLICE are today trying to trace the owners of a dog which attacked a six-year-old girl outside a play area.

Russell Claydon

POLICE are today trying to trace the owners of a dog which attacked a six-year-old girl outside a play area.

The incident happened after she asked to stroke the animal in a park on Hales Barn Road in Haverhill around 9.45am on Saturday.

The girl had been playing with her brother and sister when a couple walked past with a gold spaniel-type dog. The children asked to stroke the dog but it bit the girl on the face and the children ran home.

The owners have been described as a white man with dark, spiked hair and a woman who had shoulder length blonde hair. The dog was between one and a half and two feet high and was called Jake.

The girl has been described as not seriously injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Victoria Anthistle at Haverhill Police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.