A TODDLER had to be airlifted to hospital after being bitten by a family dog, police said.

The 14-month-old girl was attacked by a Johnson American Bulldog at a house in Brunswick Street, Nelson.

Police said the youngster was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

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Initial reports said the child was in a serious condition. However, officers said she was now stable and described her injuries as “minor”.

It is understood she suffered a series of cuts.

Neighbours said they were shocked by the incident.

A Brunswick Street resident said she saw the emergency services arrive around 10am on Wednesday.

She said: “I saw two police cars and two emergency ambulance cars at a house on the street.

“I didn’t see the helicopter, but there were a lot of paramedics on the ground around the house.

“It’s terrible to hear about what’s happened, you don’t expect a young girl to be bitten by a dog around here.”

Officers said the dog was kept in the house until transport arrived to transport it to police kennels where it remains.

An investigation has been launched into the incident but no arrests have been made.

One neighbour said: “The dogs in this area are generally quite friendly and well kept.

“Those bulldogs are muscular like a stocky footballer, they need lots and lots of exercise.”

A police spokesman said: “We were called shortly after 11.30am on Wednesday to a report that a child had been bitten by a dog at an address on Brunswick Street, Nelson.

“Police and paramedics attended and the child, a 14-month-old babygirl, was taken by air ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital and then transferred to the Manchester Children’s Hospital.

“Her condition was described as serious.

“An investigation into the circumstances is under way and at the moment there’s nothing to suggest any criminal offices have taken place.

“The girl has not suffered any major injuries, just cuts which were serious but not life-threatening.”