Toddler bitten by police dog

A 3-year-old Christchurch girl was bitten by a police dog pursuing a suspected criminal yesterday afternoon.

The toddler received bite marks around the waist and needed medical attention.

Deisa Daufa said she was walking to a dairy from her Addington home with granddaughter Annie-Rose when police appeared in pursuit of a man.

The dog went for Annie-Rose, who was holding her grandmother's hand.

Ms Daufa said she protected the girl's face as police dog handlers controlled the animal.

The officers were apologetic and took Annie-Rose to a surgery for treatment.

Ms Daufa said her granddaughter was at home playing and laughing as usual last night and would return to the surgery today to have her dressings changed.

- NZPA