A SCHOOLGIRL has been rushed to hospital after being mauled by what is believed to have been an XL bully dog.

       Emergency services raced to a Merseyside park after reports that a seven-year-old youngster had been attacked by the hound.

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       A schoolgirl was attacked by a dog last night, seeing her raced to hospital

       The girl's leg was injured in the "horror attack", which unfolded last night while she was playing.

       LiverpoolEcho reported that the dog is believed to be an XL bully - and it was quickly seized by officers when they arrived at Gorsedale Park.

       Cops labelled the mauling "horrific", while urging witnesses to come forward.

       The force also said the attack highlighted the "potential dangers of dogs".

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       Merseyside Police Detective Inspector Emma Kerrigan said: "This was a horrific attack which has left a young girl receiving hospital treatment for injuries to her head and legs.

       "I want to reassure people that she received the best possible care and treatment for her injuries, and we hope she makes a speedy recovery now she is home.

       "We have seized the dog and extensive efforts are underway to establish exactly what happened and to find the owner.

       "I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, who may have information which could help us with our investigation to come forward as soon as possible.

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       "You may even live locally and have CCTV, or have been passing in a vehicle and captured dashcam footage – if so, we want to hear from you.

       "This case highlights in the starkest terms the potential dangers of dogs, and I would appeal to anyone with information about dangerous dogs in their area to contact us so that we can take pro-active action."

       Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre.

       You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 23000646249 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.