UPDATE:A 56-year-old man has handed himself into police. Scotland Yard said the man had walked into Chingford police station on Sunday and was arrested on suspicion of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place.
Waltham Forest police are searching for the owner of a dog, which attacked a 6-year-old girl in Chingford.
The attack, in which the victim lost part of her ear, took place at Pole Hill, Woodberry Way, Chingford around midday on Saturday.
The girl’s parents witnessed the attack. The victim also suffered injuries to her neck and shoulder.
The dog is believed to be a black and white bull terrier, owned by a man around 40-years-old with cropped blonde hair.
"This was an appalling incident that left a young child with serious injuries which are likely to scar her for life,” said Detective Sergeant Stuart Cheek, of Waltham Forest police.
"I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened, was in the area at the time of the attack, or has noticed anything since that might assist the investigation, to get in touch as soon as possible.
"It is crucial that we find those responsible so that no-one else is put at risk by this dog and its owner."
Reported by the BBC, Terrence Lundy witnessed the aftermath of the attack. He said: "This woman came running down with her husband and another little kid, so obviously a family of four, and she was holding on to her ear and screaming 'Keep your dogs away from my daughter. Keep your dogs away from my daughter'.
"I ran over there to her. I knew something had happened.
The girl, who has not been named, was taken to hospital for surgery.
Anybody with information can call Waltham Forest police on 020 3276 0967 or, to speak anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.