A horrifying incident has left a toddler fighting for her life after being mauled by a “large breed” of pet dog in her family home in Cheltenham.

Gloucestershire Police confirmed that the young girl, who is younger than two years old, sustained serious injuries in the attack, which occurred on Sunday evening just before 6 pm. The child is currently being treated at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where she remains in critical condition.

Officers and paramedics rushed to the scene following the distressing incident at a property in the Hatherley area of the town. The child was initially taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for treatment before being transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children due to the severity of her injuries.

The pet dog involved in the attack, described as a large breed, has been seized by police and is being held in a secure kennel while investigations into the incident are ongoing. It has been confirmed that the dog is not of a banned breed.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police stated, “The child is in a critical condition at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. The pet dog, which is a large breed, has been seized by police and is at a secure kennel while investigations continue.

This tragic incident comes shortly after another child was attacked by a dog in Partington, Greater Manchester, on the same day. A five-year-old child was reportedly attacked by a dog believed to be an XL Bully breed. The dog was seized by police, and a 34-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the Cheltenham incident to come forward and assist with their investigation.