A ten-year-old boy has been seriously injured after being mauled by a dog.

The youngster was left heavily bleeding in Blackridge, West Lothian, following the attack shortly before 9pm on Monday.

The dog, thought to be an Akita, attacked the youngster, leaving him with serious face and head injuries.

A 48-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the incident.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "Police in West Lothian have arrested and charged a 48-year-old woman in connection with a dog attack.

"The incident took place at around 9pm on Monday when a ten-year-old boy sustained serious injuries.

"Police Scotland has taken possession of a mixed-breed dog and are awaiting a decision by the procurator fiscal regarding any further action in relation to the animal.

"The woman has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date and a report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal."

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman added: "We received a call at 8.54pm on Monday to attend an address in Blackridge, West Lothian.

"We dispatched an ambulance to the scene and one male child was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh."