A 14-year-old was taken to hospital after she was attacked by a dog on her way to school.

The youngster was walking through Great Lines Heritage Park, in Gillingham, on Monday morning with her friend when they passed a woman and her pet.

The girl's dad Chris Dixon learned later what had happened. He said: "The dog was off its lead and sniffing the bushes along the path. It then turned, ran up to her and bit her leg. She fought to shake it off.

"The woman quickly got the dog and walked away with no regard whatsoever.

"They were a bit stunned as to what had happened and shell-shocked. My daughter phoned her mum first as she did not know what to do."

Chris, 43, said the girls told the lady her dog had just attacked them but her only response was "alright then" before continuing on her way.

The Brompton Academy pupils carried on to school to see the nurse there, who told them the 14-year-old needed to go to hospital for treatment.

Medics cleaned the wound, which was bleeding, and put her on a series of antibiotics. The back of her leg is now badly bruised.

"She realised how serious it could have been," Chris, of Grove Road, Chatham, added. "I think she is wary of going to school in case they see it again.

"We want and need her to keep going and face up to her fear but just be a bit vigilant; if they see the person or dog to keep away from it.

"She needs to keep going otherwise it will only become a problem. It is surprising how a little dog could do so much damage."

The dog is described as a cream and brown, curly-haired type and the woman was in her late 40s or early 50s.

The girls said they had seen the lady before in the park but believed the pet usually wears a muzzle, but wasn't this week.

Chris is now trying to track the pair down. He said: "What is shocking and made me so angry was the simple fact is they walked away from an injured child.

"The dog biting is one thing but I do not how anyone could do that. That is the shocking part about this. My daughter was lucky it did not do serious damage.

"If anyone knows who this owner might be please let me know but also please be aware that there is potentially a dangerous dog allowed to run off lead in the area."

The incident has been reported to the police who are investigating.