Guidepost girl has life-changing injuries in 'Akita' attack

The girl is undergoing treatment in hospital following the attack shortly before 5pm on Wednesday (April 17) in the Cleaswell Hill area of Guidepost, Northumberland.

Police rushed to the scene and the animal, believed to be an American Akita, was seized by officers.

The dog is set to be destroyed, Northumbria Police said, and enquiries are ongoing.

A force spokesperson said: “Shortly before 5pm on Wednesday (April 17), police received a report that a dog had injured a child in the Cleaswell Hill area of Guidepost.

“Emergency services attended, and a nine-year-old girl was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries and is undergoing treatment.

“The owner of the dog has subsequently agreed for the dog to be destroyed.

“While further assessment will be carried out, officers believe the dog to be an American Akita breed.”

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Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting log NP-20240417-0744.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We were called to an incident at a private address in Stakeford at 4.50pm on Wednesday 17 April, but we were not required as the patient made their own way to hospital.”

In October a Staffie dog attacked a five-year-old boy in nearby Ashington, Northumberland.