A savage English bull terrier chased a terrified schoolgirl down the street and bit her so severely she needed surgery, a court heard.

Wayne Bryden, 24, was looking after the dog for a relative when the 10-year-old girl was dropped off in Avenell Road, Highbury, on May 6.

She saw the animal and screamed before turning to run away.

But the snarling dog chased her and jumped on top of the hysterical girl, biting her leg several times.

The owner then went over to control the terrier and an ambulance was called for the bleeding girl, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ heard.

Bryden, of Aubert Court, Highbury, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

The court was shown pictures of the numerous injuries inflicted by the bites.

His sentence was adjourned for reports detailing the wounds and the operation.

The court also asked for a victim impact statement relating to the psychological impact of the attack on the girl.

Bryden, who is not the owner of the dog, was warned that given the age of the victim and the injuries she suffered, an order of destruction may be made against the animal.

Magistrate Melvin Bryant told Bryden during the hearing last Wednesday: “We are going to ask the probation services to prepare a report for you.”

Bryden will be sentenced at the same court next Wednesday (October 21) and was granted unconditional bail until that date.