Officers from the Sussex and Surrey dogs unit are urging caution when allowing children to play with animals.

This follows a number of incidents in Sussex in recent weeks.

Reports include children hurt by the family pet as well as animals belonging to their friends.

Inspector Di Lewis, from the Sussex and Surrey dogs unit, is reminding people that children should not be left alone with dogs.

Lewis says “Dogs can get excited when playing and may accidentally hurt children or adults. If the dog does not know the person it could become confused and think they are playing a game with it – or the animal could become scared and bite or scratch to defend itself.”

It is a criminal offence for an owner to allow their dog to bite someone, whether it happens in public or private.

Dogs can be put to sleep if they are shown to have attacked someone and the owners can be prosecuted.

If you are concerned a dog is acting dangerously out of control call 999.