Seeing a dog attack was scary.. it's a problem we must tackle - NEWSREADER CHARLOTTE HAWKINS

HORROR MAULING PUT GMB'S CHARLOTTE ON ALERT

- SARA WALLIS

As two massive snarling dogs jumped up at a garden fence, Charlotte Hawkins reassured her friend's eight-year-old daughter, who was walking past them alongside her, that the beasts could not get out.

But the Good Morning Britain journalist was horrified when one out-of-control beast broke through the fence without warning, knocking the little girl to the ground and biting her.

Charlotte was carrying her baby daughter in a sling at the time and so was unable to step in and fight the dog off the child.

Fortunately the youngster recovered after medical attention, but Charlotte says that moment a few years ago completely changed her view on how dangerous dogs can be.

Charlotte, 48, who is now taking part in an ITV investigation into the growing problem, said: "The experience shook me deeply.

"It's a problem we must tackle. Seeing my friend's daughter being attacked by a big dog was shocking and scary. It showed me how quickly something like that can happen.

"The two big dogs were barking aggressively. I was saying, 'Don't worry, they won't be able to get out'. But one of the dogs did get out. I felt particularly vulnerable because I had my baby in a child carrier, so I was holding her and I knew I couldn't step in and help.

"My friend's daughter was knocked to the ground and it was so scary. It's definitely made me more alert to the potential dangers.

The ITV investigation comes after the Mirror launched a Dangerous Dogs Campaign to crack down on out-of-control pets killing or seriously injuring people in vicious attacks.

Our campaign aims to overhaul the Dangerous Dogs Act, with demands for training, tougher penalties, and the enforcement of rules on breeding and selling.

Dog-related injuries led to a record 10 fatalities last year in England and Wales, and so far this year there have been five already, including a four-year-old girl attacked in a garden.