TWO four-year-old girls and a man have been attacked by a dog outside a school.
 
The incident happened at Red Hall Primary School, Headingley Crescent, Darlington at 8.54am today.
 
A dog, believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is thought to have escaped through the front gate of a nearby property and attacked the girls.
 
One of the children suffered a bite to the lower back while the other suffered a head injury after, it is understood, she  was pulled to the ground by the hood.
 
They have been taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not thought to be serious.
 
A 33-year-old man also suffered bites to his left hand.
 
The dog has been captured and has been taken to be destroyed.
 
The keeper of the dog, a 44-year-old woman, has been arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control and is helping police with their inquiries.
 
Neighbourhood Inspector Caroline Dawson said: "Obviously this was a truly terrifying incident for those involved.
 
"It is the last thing you expect to happen at the school gates and was very distressing for anyone in the area at the time.
 
"I would like to reassure residents that this was an isolated incident and the dog involved has now been taken to be destroyed.
 
"My officers will be in the area at home time to make sure people feel safe and anyone who needs help or support gets it.
 
"I hope the two girls and the man who were attacked get the care and attention they need and make a speedy recovery while our investigation into what happens continues."
 
Anyone with information about the incident should contact police on 101.