A three-year-old girl is battling to save her sight after being mauled by a dog as she enjoyed a day in the park with her family.
Jessica Malhi was bitten in George Rose Park, Darlaston, as she settled down on a blanket with her mother and one-year-old sister.
Doctors say it is too soon to tell if the youngster, who lives with her family in Wrenbury Drive, Bilston, will lose the sight in her left eye. Jessica’s one-year-old sister Rikita was also bitten on her underarm by the dog, which is believed to be a black Staffordshire bull terrier.
Their father Jasvir Singh, a taxi driver, said it was a very difficult time for the family and “heartbreaking” to see his daughter so badly injured.
He said: “The girls were in the park with my wife Sukhjinder and were playing on the playground. They spread out a blanket to sit down on and as soon as they did, the dog ran over to them.
“My wife tried to shield them on her lap but the dog bit Rikita on the arm and Jessica on the arm and face. Sukhjinder said it was terrifying and there was blood everywhere. Some other family members were there to help and called an ambulance straight away.”
The attack happened at 6.30pm on Sunday. Mr Singh said the owner was in the park but the animal, along with another dog, was not on a lead.
West Midlands Police spokeswoman Joanne Hunt said: “This incident was reported to us. Two children were bitten and taken to hospital for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing at this time.”
Mr Singh added: “We are all just trying to be strong now for Jessica’s sake.”
Both girls were treated at Walsall Manor Hospital.
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