Warning: Distressing images

A devastated mum has been forced to take down all the mirrors in her home after a Labrador tore off her daughter's lip - leaving her needing more than 230 stitches in her face.

British girl Lily-Fay Parfitt, nine, was left screaming in agony with 'life-changing' wounds to her cheek and lip when the dog attacked without warning as she played on her aunt's farm in September.

In the video above: Neighbour saves man and dog from bizarre attack

Now her mum, Kelly Parfitt, is warning people that all dog breeds can be dangerous, and to keep pets on short leads around children.

Lily-Fay Parfitt was attacked by a Labrador. Credit: Kennedy News

"It's life changing for Lily, she can't smile as she's lost her lips. What I can see of her lip at the moment is that it's really jagged, like a jigsaw piece,” the mum said. "We've taken all mirrors down and covered the one in the bathroom up so she can't see her reflection.”

Kelly had been supervising while Lily-Fay was playing with her cousins and siblings after school on her aunt's farm when the pet dog – which was unknown to the family - attacked.

Chevron Right Icon 'I heard an ear-piercing scream'

Kelly said: "Lily saw the dog and stopped and turned, she didn't even step towards the dog. The dog actually came straight to her. I heard an ear-piercing scream as it grabbed her top lip and tore out her cheek.

"The injuries to Lily's face is something that I never want to see again. Her top jaw, her top teeth, her tongue and bottom jaw had been degloved."

Lily-Fay Parfitt before the attack. Credit: Kennedy News

Lily-Fay had 192 stitches on the outside of her cheek to hold it together, 38 stitches in her lip and an unknown number inside her cheek.

Kelly added: "The surgeon took one look at her and said 'it's life changing, we don't know if she will get senses back because of the severity of the injury'.”

The incident was reported to the police and Kelly claims the dog has since been put to sleep.

More on 7NEWS.com.au

Sussex Police said officers had responded to reports of a child being bitten at a farm in Pulborough between 6pm and 7pm on Friday, September 20.

A spokesperson said: "The eight-year-old girl suffered serious facial injuries and was taken to hospital. "The owners of the dog have been identified and are assisting police with the ongoing investigation."