A pensioner was savaged by a powerful dog in front of horrified onlookers at a busy neighbourhood shopping centre on Saturday lunchtime.

The 74-year-old from Stevenage suffered serious injuries to one of her legs in the attack by what is thought to be an American pit bull terrier at The Oval shops in Stevenage shortly before midday.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said the woman was being cared for by shop staff and customers when paramedics arrived. They treated her at the scene before taking her to a waiting trauma team at Lister Hospital where she remains in a stable condition.

Police arrested a 38-year-old Stevenage man on suspicion of having a dangerous out of control dog in a public place. He was released on police bail while investigations continue.

A tan and white dog was taken away by officers. It is being assessed by speciaists.