Two roaming dogs attack three children near Sydney schools; investigation underway

Two large dogs attacked three children walking home from a primary and high school in Marsden Park, in Sydney's west, on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. The incident occurred along Glenabbey Street shortly before 3 p.m. The dogs — believed to be staffy and pitbull crosses — were roaming the area for hours before the attacks and have not yet been located, Blacktown Council said.

CCTV reviewed by authorities shows the first girl being dragged along the bitumen by her hair and mauled. Bystanders rushed in to help, and after the animals released her, they turned on the second girl, who initially tried to run away but was bitten on the arms. She was heard screaming as the dogs lunged. Moments later, the same animals attacked a young boy nearby, about 10 minutes after the girls were bitten. All three children sustained only minor injuries, but parents have raised concerns about why the dogs were not secured. The attacks occurred near a pair of schools, adding to worries about safety for students walking home in the area.

A witness told 7NEWS: 'She was screaming and screaming and running around and fell down and the dog kept attacking.'

Blacktown Council said it takes dog attack reports seriously and is investigating the circumstances. The dogs have not yet been located.

Residents and school officials said the area is busy with students walking home after classes, heightening concerns about pet security near schools. Authorities urged residents to report sightings of roaming dogs and to ensure pets are secured to prevent similar incidents in the future.