A nine-year-old girl and her mother were seriously injured in a dog attack at Bushy Park on Easter Sunday.

The dog, believed to be a staff or pit bull, was off its lead when it ran over and attacked the girl who was on an Easter Egg hunt with her family.

The girl suffered a serious bite wound to her arm before her parents were able to intervene.

It was at this point that the girl's mother sustained a deep bite wound to her hand.

The dog then chased the girl's 10-year-old brother, leaving him with minor injuries to his arm.

Police officers arrived on the scene at around 5.44pm. The family were later treated by an ambulance crew and two of the victims were taken to hospital

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident to contact them.

Three men were all seen in the area just before the attack. It is thought that they ran off towards Vicarage Road.

The dog's owner is described as a light- skinned black male with a moustache and hair on his chin, wearing a black durag, yellow top and black trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, providing the reference CRIS 0703049/21. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.

Richmond police released the following statement yesterday.

The statement read: "Police are looking to speak to three males involved in a dog attack causing serious injury to victims in Bushy Park on Easter Sunday 4th April at around 17.30hrs.

"If you have information or know the males please call police on 101 with reference to report 0703049/21."