Police search for woman and dog after playground attack on young child in Toronto

The attack left the 9-year-old child with serious and life-altering injuries, police said. The incident occurred around 10:15 am at Little Norway Park, per CP24.

According to authorities, a woman was inside the playground area with her off-leashed dog when a father arrived with his child. The dog charged at the child then bit and dragged the youngster to the ground, police said.

The owner of the dog promptly fled the scene after she and the father tried to get the dog to release the child, which it eventually did.

The child was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, although police indicated they were not considered to be life-threatening.

Authorities released photos and suspect descriptions of the woman and her dog. Police are asking the public for help to identify them, claiming there is "a concern for public safety."

(Toronto Police Service)

The woman is described as having a large frame, dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, and is reported as being between five feet nine and five feet eleven between the ages of 30 and 40 years old.

The dog is white, tan, and black, and was wearing a chain collar and black hooded jacket at the time of the attack. It's unclear what exact breed the canine is.

Anybody with information is asked to call the police at 416-808-1400, or to report a crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.