A THREE-year-old girl suffered serious facial injuries last night after being mauled by a dog.

The girl, who has not been named, was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital which specialises in plastic surgery.

Police say the youngster was at the home of a family friend who lives on the same street in Hag Fold, Atherton, when the dog attacked her.

The dog, owned by the friend, bit the girl on the face damaging her lower lip.

She was taken to Leigh Infirmary and then transferred to the children's hospital.

After being treated by plastic surgeons she was still recovering from her ordeal in hospital this lunchtime.

Her mother stayed overnight at the hospital but was too upset to talk about the attack.

The hospital say the toddler is improving and may even be allowed home today.

Police are investigating, but say it is too early to say if the dog will be put down.

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