A man nearly had his toe severed after being attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier cross.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident in Whitehawk Road, Brighton at 3.10pm on March 27.

The man was getting cash out the machine when the dog got hold of his toe and nearly bit it off.

Inspector Bill Whitehead said: "This was a very worrying incident. Only moments before, pensioners and children had walked past. If the dog had attacked them this already serious incident could have been much worse."

A 31-year old local woman was arrested on suspicion of allowing the dog to be out of control in a public place.

She has been released on police bail until April 12 while enquiries continue.

The dog has been seized and is being held in secure kennels awaiting assessment by specialist officers.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 889 of 27/3.