POLICE have made a fresh appeal for information after a three-year-old boy was attacked and bitten by a dog on the banks of the River Ouse during a family picnic.

Preston Sellars, off Boroughbridge Road, suffered puncture wounds to his chest as the dog - described as looking like a brown Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Labrador cross, or an American Staffordshire Terrier - knocked him to the ground near Clifton Bridge and stood over him.

The dog had attacked the boy’s older brother first by pulling at his t-shirt. The owner then put the dog on a long lead but it then went for three-year-old Preston, biting him on the chest and shoulder.

Acting on information received from members of the public, police officers have carried out a number of searches to locate the owner of the dog, but so far, he has not been traced.

The incident happened at around 4pm on Sunday June 26, upstream of Clifton Bridge, near to the RSPCA rescue centre.

Investigating officer, PC Wesley Cooper said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who have come forward with information to assist the enquiry so far.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to trace the owner.

“A small child and his family have been deeply upset by this incident and I am issuing a renewed appeal for information.

“Anyone who knows the owner of a dog matching this description, which is walked on a long lead or off its lead in the York area, is urged to come forward.

“Better still, I urge the owner of the dog to search his conscience and identify himself to police.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Cooper on 0845 6060247, quoting 12110105980. Alternatively,, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.