Police have warned members of the public not to approach a loose dog after a teenage girl suffered serious injuries in an incident.

The 15-year-old was taken to hospital following the incident in the Port Clarance area of Stockton on Monday (May 29) evening.

Her injuries are serious but not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

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Officers have now warned members of the public not to approach what they are describing as a a male XL Bully type dog (pictured) “under any circumstances”. The dog is aged between four and five-years-old.

Cleveland Police said: “We would urge people not to approach it, should they come across it. Anyone who comes across the dog should call police immediately on 999, and do not attempt to approach the dog under any circumstances.

“Anyone who has information on the dogs current whereabouts is also asked to call police immediately, quoting reference number 103512.”

Last week an American XL Pitbull was destroyed by police in Hartlepool after attacking a man and leaving him with serious injuries.