A "dangerously out of control" dog was shot dead by police today after biting a 12-year-old girl and being chased into a play park being used by children.
Several shots of a Taser electric stun gun failed to stop the rampaging Staffordshire bull terrier which also bit a man and tried to attack police officers.
The girl was treated by paramedics and the man was taken to hospital following the attack in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire Police said.
A spokeswoman said: "Officers were called to Despenser Road at 12pm today following reports that a large dog - believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier cross breed - had bitten a 12-year-old girl and a man and was dangerously out of control.
"When officers arrived, the animal attempted to bite them so a Taser was used in a bid to bring the animal under control.
"However, the dog ran away and the Taser was used twice more, but the dog could not be stopped.
"Officers chased it for approximately half a mile but it ran into Priors Park, where there were a number of members of the public, including children, in the area.
"In order to maintain public safety the decision was taken to destroy the dog using a shotgun.
"The girl bitten by the dog received treatment from the ambulance service at the scene, while the man was taken to Tewkesbury Hospital for treatment."
Inquiries are now being conducted to trace the dog's owner and further police action will follow, the force said.