A FOUR-year-old girl has been rushed to hospital with facial injuries after being attacked by a dog in Southend.

Police were contacted just after 11.35am  this morning, Saturday, following reports that a child had received injuries to her face while in Eastern Esplanade near the Kursaal.

The girl, from Southend, has been taken to Chelmsford’s Broomfield Hospital for treatment.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said officers are investigating the incident and are working with the owner of the dog, believed to be a Labrador.

Any witnesses are urged to contact PC Daniel Hedges at Southend police station on 101.