A two-year-old boy is believed to have sustained serious injuries to his arm after he was bitten by a dog in Cassiobury Park.

The incident happened at around 3pm yesterday afternoon outside The Cha cafe.

The boy had been running towards the children's playground, with his parents close behind, when he came into contact with a dog on a lead, which bit the boy.

The Observer has been told a witness had to wrestle the medium-sized dog, which was accompanied by its owners, away from the boy.

It is believed the dog, whose breed is unconfirmed at this stage, was spooked as the boy ran past.

However, a report to police suggested the boy had gone to pet the dog moments before he was bitten.

Paramedics soon attended and the boy was rushed to Watford General Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Free Hospital where he underwent an operation on his right arm today. It is believed he will suffer from scarring.

Police were called, but the owners and the dog were not present when they arrived.

A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: "Police were called shortly after 3.20pm on Sunday, June 23 following an incident in Cassiobury Park, Watford.

"It was reported that a two-year-old boy had gone to pet a dog on a lead near a tea pavilion, when the dog bit the boy on the arm.

"The ambulance service attended and the boy was taken to hospital. Enquiries into the incident are continuing at this time."

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story wrongly stated that the café reportedly had no first aid kit available. This was incorrect.

The cafe's proprietors have also stressed that they administered first aid and stayed with the child and mother up until the arrival of paramedics.

We are happy to set the record straight and apologise for any distress or embarrassment caused.