Children as young as six rushed to hospital after horror dog attack at playground

Police have released CCTV footage of the incident in a bid to track down the woman holding the lead

Two children have been rushed to hospital after a horror dog attack in a playground.

Both children, aged six and 11, received bites to their legs and thighs on Vernon Street in Leicester.

Leicestershire Police are now appealing to the public for information about the incident on April 19.

The force is now looking for a woman, pictured on CCTV holding a dog on a lead.

The woman appears to be wearing a grey hoodie, dark trousers and has brown hair.

In one image, she is seen struggling to keep the hulking dog on its lead.

In a statement, police said: "Enquiries have been ongoing since the incident was reported to us and we hope the public can help us move the investigation on.

"We know the images are not the best quality, but we hope someone will recognise the woman or the dog.

"If this is you or you have any suspicions about who the woman may be we would urge you to get in touch."

Those with information are urged to contact PC 4630 Samuel Senior on 101 quoting crime number 26*224111.

Last month, the Government introduced legislation to ban children under 12 from being in the same home as dangerous dogs on their own.

The law, which will come into effect on November 1, will result in the seizure of the dog and potential prosecution, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

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Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said: "Any attack on a child by a dangerous dog is unacceptable.

"The safety of children must always come first, and this new measure will strengthen protections in the home by ensuring young children are not left unattended around banned breed dogs, including XL Bully types.

"While many owners are acting responsibly - those that don't should face the legal consequences."

All banned dogs, including the notorious XL Bully, must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places.

The ban on the dangerous breed came into effect the February before last.

Despite the restriction, dog incidents rose that year, with 31,920 recorded dog attacks in 2024.

This is a two per cent increase from 2023, according to the most recent data.

The RSPCA, as a result, has examined the idea of reintroducing dog licences to curb "challenges around dog ownership".