A 14-year-old girl has been seriously injured in a "horrific" dog attack in Gateshead.

The victim was left with serious injuries to her arm after the incident on Saturday afternoon in a garden at a house in Millbrook, Felling.

Police spent an hour trying to bring the "highly agitated" dog, which was believed to be an American Bull Dog, under control but eventually had to shoot and destroy it to "ensure public safety".

They said it was a "last resort".

The teenager has been taken to hospital and is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries, which are not considered life-threatening.

Chief Inspector Dave Gould said: