An out of control dog tried to attack a six-year-old girl in Stevenage, police have said.

Officers from Herts police have launched a witness appeal today following an incident on January 21 when a white pit bull dog allegedly moved to attack the girl at the car park of the Tesco Extra store in Stevenage town centre.

The girl’s parents surrounded their daughter to protect her from the dog, which had dark coloured markings on its back and a dark coloured patch over one eye, The dog was on a lead but the owner did not have hold of the leash.

Police now want to speak to a woman who witnessed the incident.

PC Neal Dyton said: “I am particularly keen to speak to a woman who approached the parents after the incident and told them information that could be helpful to the investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Dyton by calling 101 and quoting crime reference number E1/16/476.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.