A six-year-old girl is being treated for horrific facial wounds after she was savagely mauled by a dog.
Gardaí believe the dog -- which has since been destroyed by a vet -- is a American Akita.
The schoolgirl from Lynwood Park in Limerick has received 17 stitches to her face following the attack, which occurred last Wednesday.
The girl was playing on a green area near her home at around 6.30pm when the animal attacked her.
The dog, which was aged 12-years-old, was owned by another family.
The girl has sustained extensive wounds to her face and body, including lacerations on her forehead alone which required 17 stitches.
She was taken to University Hospital Limerick where she is still recovering from her ordeal.
Gardaí from Henry Street assisted by the Limerick Dog Warden immediately rounded up the dog and it was humanely destroyed.
Garda investigations are continuing into the attack, and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.