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A six-year-old girl has suffered serious facial injuries after being bitten by a dog "similar to a pitbull" at a restaurant.

The incident took place at around 4pm on Sunday afternoon (April 7) at a Toby Carvery in Cheam Road, Ewell , where the child was playing outside in the garden. She was taken to hospital as a result of her injuries.

Police received a call from Epsom General Hospital, where the girl was being treated, following the incident and are now appealing for information. They have released descriptions as they search for the dog and its owner.

The dog is described as white and “similar to a pitbull or Staffordshire bull terrier”.

The owner of the dog, a man, is described as being white, in his late 20s and around 6ft tall.

PC James Butcher from Surrey Police , who is investigating the attack, said: "Due to the nature of this incident, the injuries sustained could have been a lot more serious.

“We are keen to speak to the owner of the dog and urge anyone with any information to get in contact with us."

A manager at the Ewell branch of the restaurant chain refused to comment on the incident.

A spokesman for Toby Carvery said: “We’re very disappointed this happened in our garden and we’d like to offer our thoughts to the child and her family.”

If you can help please call Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number PR/45190036097.

You can also give information, 100% anonymously, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form here.