POLICE are hoping local residents may come forward with information after a seven-year-old girl was attacked by a dog.

The incident happened last week when the girl required treatment at hospital for wounds including several deep bites.

She is said to have been traumatised by the attack that happened on Saturday, 27 May on Orsett Heath playing fields, near Templar Avenue in Chadwell St Mary at around 8pm.

Police were called but by the time they arrived the dog and its owner had gone.

A force spokesman said: "We were called to Templer Avenue at around 8pm on 27 May following reports of a dangerous dog incident.

"A child was treated by paramedics at the scene after sustaining injury to her arm. Investigating officers have carried out multiple enquiries to identify the owner, who was described as a white man, bald and in his late 40s."

Police have askedanyone with information to get in touch, adding: "You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.