Appeal to find owner of dog which attacked Penarth schoolgirl

South Wales Police wants to find the owner of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which attacked Suzanne Keegan last week.

The eight-year-old has not been to school since she was bitten on Wednesday July 13, or even put her shoe on due to the pain.

She was also due to march with the St John's Ambulance team for Carnival Day on the weekend, but had to pull out due to the centimetre-deep gash suffered which required stitches.

And, doctor's told the family that had the had been 2mm in a different direction it could have hit an artery and had much more serious consequences.

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The attack happened on John Street at around 4pm, leaving Suzanne in what her mum called "excruciating pain".

Lindsey Barrett, of Hewell Street, said her daughter had asked to stroke the man's other dog, a black and white collie, when the pitbull lunged.

She said: "I am sure the owner didn't mean for this to happen and Suzanne's father told me that the owner was very apologetic.

"But I really want to make sure that this or something even worse doesn't happen again."

"It's a traumatic thing to happen especially for a child," she added. "She is in excruciating pain which hasn't gone away."

"She is very active child who loves doing this so it is frustrating for her.

"She has received a substantial injury and she should be the last child to do so."

A spokesman for South Wales Police confirmed they have launched an appeal to find the owner of the blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

"This man is believed to be the owner of two dogs – a black and white collie dog and the blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier," said a spokesman, in reference to the CCTV image released.

"Officers believe he may originate from the Cardiff Bay side of the barrage.

"He is urged to come forward if he sees this appeal."

Anybody who thinks they recognise him or knows who he is should contact South Wales Police via 101 quoting reference *263299 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.