Child bitten by dog

At about 12:20pm this afternoon a 3 year old boy was attacked by a family members dog at an address in Ashburton.

It occurred in the lounge and it appears that the dog was trying to get chocolate that the boy was eating. He has been bitten on the throat and sustained serious injuries.

First aid was administered at the house prior to emergency services uplifting him and taking him to Ashburton Hospital where he was stabilised. He was then transferred to Christchurch Hospital.

The dog has been uplifted by Ashburton District Council animal control and impounded.

Family members have been spoken with and Victim Support are dealing with the family.

Enquiries are continuing into the incident.