Girl, 10, injured in dog attack

A FATHER has praised a passer-by who rescued his 10-year-old daughter when she was attacked by a dog in Chadderton.

Franchesca Whitehead will be scarred after being attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier cross at the front door of a friend’s home in Dairy Street. The dog bit her arm and dragged her by her pony-tail.

A workman who saw the attack beat the dog away before the girl was taken to hospital with grazes, and a gash to her elbow. It is understood the dog has been put down.

Franchesca’s dad, Anton, said: “She’s very upset and very sore. The dog pulled her by the pony-tail across the ground.

“It could have been a lot worse. From what I gather the man literally punched the dog away. The injury is horrific. If he hadn’t been there it could have been a lot worse.”

Anton said his daughter had been visiting the dog’s owner’s home in Kent Avenue: “My daughter went to the front door and the dog just pounced. I’ve been told it had always been brilliant with children, but it was in unfamiliar surroundings.

“There’s no animosity at all. The owner is heartbroken. It was just one of those situations.”