3-year-old bitten by dog in West Philadelphia

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 3-year-old girl suffered serious injuries after she was bitten by a dog in West Philadelphia.

It happened around 5:00 p.m. Thursday in the 5900 block of Washington Avenue.

Police say the child was visiting relatives at the time.

The little girl was being held by her 84-year-old great-grandmother and that's what police believe led to the attack.

"We're making the assertion that the dog got jealous that the grandmother was holding the child and the dog attacked the child - mauling it about at the head area," said Capt. Anthony Ginaldi, Philadelphia Police.

Investigators say the great-grandmother tried to protect the toddler and was bitten as well. She is said to be okay.

The little girl to Children's Hospital, where she was taken right into surgery. She is said to be in critical but stable condition.

Police say that the dog, a Cane Corso, has never been a problem before.

No criminal charges are expected.

The incident is under investigation.