A nine-year-old girl was taken to hospital after being mauled by a dog in a city pub.

The child was attacked by the animal at the Long Man Pub, in Wilmington Way, on the corner of Carden Avenue, Brighton, yesterday afternoon.

Police were called to the pub at around 4.40pm.

According to a post on Facebook, the nine-year-old lost teeth and needed facial surgery, though this was not confirmed by police.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Officers, including a specialist dog unit, attended and located the animal and its owner, who had left the scene.

“The dog was assessed at its home address and found not to be a banned breed. The owner was advised to ensure it is muzzled in public at all times and to provide additional training.

“An investigation is under way and police remain in contact with the victim’s family and the owner of the dog with a decision to be made on proportionate next steps.

“A nine-year-old girl was taken to hospital by the ambulance service for treatment.”

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This is the latest in a spate of dog attacks in the county, including one in January where a woman and her cavapoo were bitten by an American XL bully dog in Kemp Town.

More recently, an eight-year-old boy was bitten by an American XL five times and had to go to hospital for treatment.

Inspector Dan Ellen said: “We understand this incident was extremely distressing for the young girl involved and her family.

“She was fortunate not to have suffered life-changing injuries and I would like to assure the community this is something we are treating very seriously.

“Specialist officers were quickly on the scene and an initial safety assessment concluded there is no wider risk to the community.

“This is an ongoing investigation and further action will be taken to ensure an appropriate outcome.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting serial 1034 of 07/05.”