A child is in a critical condition in a London hospital after they were attacked by a dog in Chatham.

Police were called to the Jenkins Dale area just before 5.30pm.

They said the child, who is thought to be a little girl, suffered life-threatening injuries.

Firearms officers shot the dog dead at the scene.

Warning: graphic image below.

People in the area said the child was thought to be two years old, with witnesses saying the attack took place at an outside play area.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service and the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Service also attended.

The child was taken to a London hospital in a critical condition.

One woman said: "I'm up the road it was a poor 1/2 year old mauled by a pitbull."

Another witness said she had seen police shoot the dog. She added: "I saw the aftermath, the emergency services do a excellent job it's times likes these we should be so grateful they act so quickly."

A friend of the family said: "Absolutely shocked on tonight's events.

"Personally knowing the family and the child involved and seeing the aftermath of such an event has shocked me.

"All involved are in hospital being treated. Hoping the little girl, which I will not name, is ok.

"I'm with the sister now who is shocked and shaken.

"Never jumped out of the car so fast once I knew what was going on."

Ward councillor Vince Maple, who has visited the scene, said: "My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time following today's incident.

"I would urge anyone who has any information regarding the incident to contact Kent Police on 101."

Two people, thought to be a man and a woman, have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been taken into custody while investigations continue.

Members of the public who may have footage of the incident are asked to call police on 101 and not upload it onto social media.