Police will be carrying out a special operation to tackle irresponsible dog ownership after a series of attacks in Merseyside.

Police dog handlers along with neighbourhood officers will be out and about in  parks and open spaces over the next six weeks meeting owners and talking to them about any concerns.

The operation is in response to concerns from local people and follows several dog attacks in Merseyside and other areas of the UK.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Pilling will team up with consultant plastic surgeon Christian Duncan from Alder Hey Children's Hospital and RSPCA chief inspector Simon Small to launch the event.

Police will be working with the RSPCA, local authority dog wardens and the Dogs Trust to tackle issues of irresponsible ownership and problems caused by people wanting to own "status-type" dogs.

Assistant Chief Cons Pilling said: "We are not trying to demonise dogs or their owners, but we are working with our partners to promote responsible dog ownership and to make sure that owners are aware of the impact on the wider community of their dogs actions.

"In most cases dogs become part of an owner's family, but we make no excuses for targeting those owners who use their animals to intimidate others, or allow their dogs to roam the streets causing anti-social behaviour.

"Owners have to be aware they may well be held accountable for their actions under the law, and could end up with a criminal record."

Mr Duncan said Alder Hey treats huge numbers of dog bite injuries every year - during the summer more than one a day.

He said "While the vast majority of these are not life threatening they can still have a devastating impact with many children requiring surgery and most suffering permanent scarring.

"These bites are from literally every kind of dog, not just the obvious dangerous breeds.

"There is no such dog as a safe dog where children are concerned and we therefore urge all dog-owners to act responsibly and be aware of the dangers to children.”