POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a dog attack in Whitton left a six-year-old girl needing surgery.

The victim was near a playground in Heathfield Recreation Ground, Powder Mill Lane, on Thursday, October, 13, between 4 and 4.50pm, when the attack took place.

She was bitten on the face, knocking out several teeth and leaving her with a one-inch cut to the lip.

The dog is described as being cream/beige and having a 'pug'-looking face. A man, described as being of Mediterranean appearance, in his 30s and having black hair, collected the dog after the attack and left the scene.

DCI Martin Ward, of Richmond Police, said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a very young child. We are making extensive enquiries to trace the owner and are appealing for witnesses, or anyone who may know who the owner of this dangerous animal is, to please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to call Richmond Police on 020 8247 7218 or Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 111 555.