Waterlooville community rocked after Staffordshire Bull Terrier sinks teeth into infant

Eyewitnesses were left fearing the worst when they spotted an 18-month old laid precariously on the grass covered in a blanket outside a notorious block of flats in Tennyson Crescent just after 4.30pm.

Emergency services descended on the scene after being called by horrified members of the public before the toddler was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Despite fears the child may have been savaged to death in the attack – thought to have taken place inside the block – authorities have confirmed the infant is alive, with it being treated for ‘non-life threatening injuries’.

Police remained in the area for more than two hours after the incident with officers seen combing the road outside the infamous block for clues. The authority said it was attempting to ‘establish exactly what happened’.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) said the infant was attacked on its hand.

The dog, meanwhile, has not been taken away according to residents.