An eight-year-old girl has been mauled by a dog as she played with friends outside her home.

Ikra Ahmed underwent a three-hour operation at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The attack in Florist Street, Stockbridge, Keighley, left her with arm, thigh and facial injuries.

Ikra, of St Mary’s School, Riddlesden, spent two days in hospital with her mother Imtiaz, 43, at her bedside. She is now back at home in Florist Street, but having nightmares.

She said: “It was horrible. I was playing with my friends when I saw the dog. I think the lead snapped and it came running at my friends. They screamed then it ran at me. I can’t sleep properly I keep thinking about it.”

Mrs Ahmed said she had been at her daughter’s side since she got home, staying with her through the night. She said: “She can’t sleep. She’s having nightmares – she thinks the dog is coming back to get her.

“The dog must be put down. It’s very bad but we thank God it didn’t attack her face.”

Now other children and their parents are worried that the dog might strike again, she added.

She was transferred from Airedale Hospital to the Bradford Royal Infirmary after the attack at 5.30pm on Tuesday.

Ikra, who has three older brothers, received a card from her class-mates and from other friends.

A police spokesman said: “We are aware of this incident and conducting an on-going inquiry into this matter.”