Girl, 14, attacked by dog
A schoolgirl was badly bitten and scratched in an attack by a dog which has left her with nightmares.
Teenager Georgia Manns was with two friends when the attack took place in an alleyway about a mile from her Walsall home.
She was taken to the Manor Hospital for treatment to several wounds up to 3cm deep. Police are investigating the incident.
It is understood that the dog, a Japanese Akita, has been seized from its owner.
Georgia, aged 14, filed past the animal and a woman, who had it on a lead, after encountering them in an alleyway off School Street, Darlaston. But the dog jumped on the youngster's back as she passed.
Her mother Deborah Manns, of Wood Street, said: "The dog was growling as they approached, so they kept to one side because the passageway was narrow but it went for Georgia. The woman couldn't control it.
"Georgia's got puncture wounds on her backside and scars all down her back. Luckily she's quite tall and she managed to keep her balance, I dread to think what would have happened if the dog had knocked her over and went for her face or throat."
She said the attack in half-term week had left her daughter fearful of dogs.
Mrs Manns, 37, went to the distressed teenager's aid after receiving a phone call from her.
"She was screaming in pain. When I got to her, she was a mess, her clothes were ripped and covered in blood. I couldn't believe it. It had bitten through two trackie tops and a vest.
"What made me really angry was that the owner was out walking the dog the next day while my daughter still couldn't sit down. She is still very sore and has nightmares about what happened.
"It's also affected my little boy. He came screaming to me in the park the other day because there was a dog there. "But the police have told me no further action is being taken."
West Midland Police spokesman Peter Edney today confirmed the dog had been seized by officers.
He said: "The teenager went to walk past the dog, who was on a lead, and as she did the dog jumped up and bit the girl on the back. She was taken to hospital and was treated for puncture wounds and scratches.
Police were called and the owner voluntarily handed the dog over to police whilst investigations continue."
