Police appeal after child hurt by off-lead dog in Southend’s Priory Park

Police are appealing for help to identify a woman that they want to speak to after a child was injured in an incident involving a dog in Priory Park.

The incident happened at around 4.30pm on Monday 3 March. It was reported that a dog, which was off its lead, ran towards a child riding their bike and jumped up at them. The child was knocked off the bike and left hurt as a result.

Since then, officers have been carrying out enquiries and have now released an image of a woman they wish to speak to as part of the ongoing investigation.

A police spokesperson said: “We want to speak to this woman in connection with an incident involving a dog and a child in Southend. It was reported the child was knocked off their bike and hurt after a dog, off its lead, ran towards him and jumped up at him.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”

The incident has sparked concern among some local parents, with one Southend resident saying: “Priory Park is such a popular spot for families and kids – people need to feel confident that dogs are under control there.”

Under Southend City Council rules, dogs must be kept on a lead in several public spaces including formal gardens, cemeteries, and pedestrian areas. Dogs are also banned entirely from children’s play areas and certain gardens and sports courts – including parts of Priory Park.

More broadly, UK law states that a dog is considered “dangerously out of control” if it injures someone or makes someone fear injury. Owners can face prison sentences, unlimited fines, or even be banned from keeping dogs in future. In serious cases, the dog may be put down.

Does there need to be more enforcement of dog control rules? Leave your thoughts in a comment below.

Police are urging anyone who recognises the woman in the released photo or has any other information to come forward. The crime reference number is 42/32685/25.

You can submit a report at any time through Essex Police’s website or via their 24/7 Live Chat service: www.essex.police.uk

Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report through the independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or calling 0800 555 111.