Police have appealed for information after two three-year-old twin girls and their dad were attacked outside a Darlington school by what is believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The attack took place at around 8.45am on Monday (September 14) outside Red Hall Primary School in Headingley Crescent.

It is understood that the dog escaped from the front gate of a nearby home.

One child was bitten in the lower back and the other sustained a head injury after being pulled to the ground by the hood of her coat.

Both were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, although their injuries were not thought to be serious.

Their 33-year-old dad sustained bites to his hand as he fought the animal off.

The dog was captured and taken away to be destroyed.

A 44-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control. She is helping police with their inquiries.

Neighbourhood Inspector Caroline Dawson said: “This was a truly terrifying incident for those involved.

“It is the last thing you expect to happen at the school gates and was very distressing for anyone in the area at the time.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.

The incident is the third dog attack to hit the North East headlines in recent days.

Teesside’s reputation as a dog bite black spot has been enhanced by two more attacks in the area.

The Teesside, Durham and Darlington area has one of the UK’s highest rates of dog attacks, according to official figures.

Macks Solicitors have personal injury lawyers who specialise in dog bite claims. They know that dog attacks can have a significant psychological impact on the victim as well as causing serious physical injuries.