A two-year-old girl is in hospital after she was attacked by a dog on a beach.

The toddler was with her grandmother and family dog on Troon Beach in South Ayrshire on Saturday morning when they were approached by another dog which was off its lead.

The dog, described as possibly a black Labrador cross, then pounced on the little girl around 10am and bit her in the face and the child's grandmother had to fight the animal off before it ran away.

She was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to receive treatment for a serious injury to her face. Medical staff describe her condition as stable.

Police have launched a probe to try to trace the dog which attacked the girl and its owner.

The dog may have suffered injuries inflicted by the child's grandmother as she fought off the animal.

Constable David Murdoch from Troon Police Office said: "A young girl has been seriously injured by a dog which was off its lead and not the in the presence of any owner.

"I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed the incident or has seen a black dog in the area of Troon beach on Saturday morning to get in contact with police officers.

"Anyone with information can contact officers at Troon Police Office on 101."