A girl aged two and a three-year-old boy have been left seriously injured after they were attacked by a dog. The children and an 18-year-old woman were set upon inside a house in Johnson Avenue, Prescot, at about 4pm on Thursday (May 1), according to Merseyside Police.

Officers from the force and paramedics from North West Ambulance Service rushed to the property in the Merseyside town. The two tots were taken to hospital for treatment to serious leg and arm injuries. The police said the hound was seized at the property and enquiries are ongoing to find out its breed and who owns the beast.

Chief Inspector Phil Thompson said: "This is a shocking incident that has resulted in two toddlers being taken to hospital with serious leg and arm injuries."

He said the force is in the very early stages of its investigation this incident. Mr Thompson added that as part of their efforts, officers remain at the scene to carry out witness and CCTV enquiries.

He said: "If you have any information that could help our investigation, please get in touch as a matter of urgency."

Pictures from the scene show at least two ambulances and the same number of police cars parked up in the road after the attack.

Members of the public who have any information about the attack are being asked to DM @MerPolCC on social media or call 101, quoting log number 729 of 1st May.

You can also call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 without having to give your name.