Child Bitten On Beach By Rottweiler

A child has been bitten by a dog whilst on the beach at Branksome Chine.

Police in Poole are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward. It happened at around 9.10pm on Monday, 1 August 2011.

The 9-year-old victim, from Ferndown, sustained a small cut and bruising to his leg when he was chased and bitten by a Rottweiler.

Sergeant Richard Honnywill, of Poole police, said:

 "I understand that the owner of the Rottweiler regained control of the dog and spoke with the child's parents. She refused to provide her details and walked away along the promenade toward Bournemouth."

The dog's owner is white, aged around 40, five feet six inches tall, with long dark hair tied up with a hair clip. She was wearing a long, flowing dark skirt and a dark top, as well as heavy eye make up.

She was accompanied by a white man, wearing a baseball cap, and a second Rottweiler that was on a lead throughout the entire incident.

Sergeant Honnywill continued:

 "I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this attack, and anyone who has any information about the dog's owner, to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible."

The two Rottweilers are black and tan in colour.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 22 22 22 quoting incident number 1:591. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.