A teenage girl needed hospital treatment after she was bitten by a dog in Hatfield town centre.

Officers investigating an incident where a dog was dangerously out of control in Hatfield are appealing for information and witnesses.

The incident happened in Market Place at about 8.50pm on Friday, April 28.

The victim, a girl in her mid-teens, attempted to stroke a dog which was tied up outside Ladbrokes.

The animal, believed to be a Japanese Akita, bit her on the forearm and would not let go.

A man leaving the store kicked the animal in order to get it to release its grip.

He then untied the dog and walked away from the scene.

He is described as speaking with a Romanian accent.

The victim, who went to a nearby shop for assistance, was left with a wound to her arm that required hospital treatment.

PC Leah Seager, who is investigating, said: “This was understandably a very frightening incident for the victim and luckily she has not suffered any lasting damage to her arm.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area who may have witnessed the incident, either leading up to or following it, or who thinks they may know the dog or the man to please get in touch with me by calling 101, quoting crime reference B2/17/2144.”

Alternatively, if you have any information about this incident you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.