A small child was bitten by a dog at an east London park as police search for its owner who fled the scene.

Police received calls at 6.18pm on Monday (September 11) with reports that a 4-year-old boy had been approached and subsequently bitten by what is described to have been a “grey Pitbull-type dog”.

The boy is said to have sustained a bite to his leg, with the animal attempting to bite the boy’s dad when he “attempted to pull the dog off the child”.

The incident took place in Hermit Road Park, Canning Town. The child was transported to an east London hospital where his condition was confirmed to be non-life threatening.

Newham Police said the owner called off the dog and fled the scene after being approached.

Enquiries are still ongoing into identifying the owner.

Police have called on witnesses to come forward with footage and get in touch if they can help identify the owner.

Call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 6646/11SEP or to remain anonymous, go to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org