A SCHOOLBOY was taken to hospital after an horrific dog attack in Radcliffe.

Police have launched an investigation after the Staffordshire terrier and pitbull cross pounced on the 10 year old on King George V playing field behind Outwood Road.

The brown-and-white dog bit the boy on his ankle and arm, causing puncture wounds, as a woman thought to be the animal's owner tried to halt the attack.

After the attack at 2.10pm on Tuesday, the youngster was taken to North Manchester General Hospital.

Police are now urging the woman who was with the dog at the time to come forward.

Detective Inspector Caroline Ward, of Bury Police, said: "The young boy has spent the night in hospital being treated for his injuries.

"While we don't think they are life-threatening or life-changing and we expect him to make a good recovery, he and his family are clearly very upset by what has happened.

"That is why we are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward."

Police said the boy had been playing on the field when he was approached by the dog.

During the attack, the dog's owner threw a drink over her pet and then dragged her dog away towards the wooded area opposite Outwood Road.

She is described as being white, in her 20s or 30s, with dark hair and of a large build.

She was wearing either shorts or a skirt and a cap. 

Det Ins Ward added: "We need to trace both the owner of the dog, and the dog itself, so we can ensure that no one else is attacked or hurt in this way.

"I would particularly urge the owner of the dog to make contact with us.

"A young boy has been injured and both he and his family are extremely upset so please, do the right thing and make yourself known to police."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.