A 5-year-old has been injured after a dog attack near the Waipara River, north of Christchurch.

St John said it responded to the incident at the end of Darnley Rd at 5pm yesterday.

The child was taken to Christchurch Hospital in a moderate condition.

The dog has been described as brindle coloured, and the Hurunui District Council is seeking any information from anyone who might have seen a dog in the area yesterday fitting the description.

It encouraged anyone with information to contact the council’s Animal Management officer on 03 314 8816.