A YOUNG boy has been taken to hospital after being injured by a dog in a Swindon play park.

Police said that the child hugged a German Shepherd, which was on a lead while in the play park near Northern Road and Alanbrooke Crescent at around 5.45pm on Thursday September 22.

The pet scratched the boy after being hugged, officers said.

The boy was taken to Great Western Hospital by paramedics as a precaution.

Police are appealing for witnesses to help locate the dog's owner.

Anyone who can provide information that can assist officers in their investigation should call 101 and quote log number 5220100981.