A TERRIFIED schoolgirl was mauled by a dog which may have attacked once before.

The family of victim Amelia McGovern, 12, called for the animal, believed to be a Japanese Akita, to be destroyed before it attacks again.

Amelia was left needing emergency treatment and is to undergo major skin grafts after the dog sank its teeth into her arms and body on Saturday.

The youngster ran screaming for help into the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, Teesside, with blood pouring from her wounds after the attack.

It is believed the dog left one of Amelia's friends with severe head injuries when it attacked her last year.

"I am terrified in case it gets me again," said Amelia yesterday.

The animal struck while Amelia was walking to her home in Easterside, Middlesbrough.

She was crossing a playing field when she felt a blow to the back of her head and was knocked to the floor.

But, as she realised she had been bitten, the dog attacked again, repeatedly biting her arms.

The owner of the dog offered to take her to hospital but instead, Amelia ran alone across Marton Road to the James Cook University Hospital.

After emergency treatment, she was transferred to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where she is to undergo skin grafts.

Her mother, Molly Cabral, 38, said: "The surgeon said it was the worst dog bite he had ever seen. I looked at her and then turned away and started crying."

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said the animal was being held while inquiries are carried out. The animal could be destroyed.