AN ALSATIAN which is believed to have savaged a schoolgirl has been returned to its owner after prosecutors decided no action should be taken against either.

Abbie Varrow, five, still suffers from nightmares after requiring 60 stitches following the attack near her home on March 27.

A man, 42, was arrested on suspicion of owning a dangerous dog.

However, this week the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue a case against him.

Abbie’s parents, Tony and Alyson, are disgusted at the outcome.

Tony, 40, said: “Since this has happened, Abbie has been sleepwalking and bed-wetting. The surgeon was happy to discharge her. But then after he heard about sleepwalking and bed-wetting, he wants her to see a psychiatrist.”

Alyson, also 40, said: “Abbie will be going through pain every day to sort out the scar tissue on her face. It is horrible having to massage her face. It makes me feel physically sick, because you can feel it crack and it makes Abbie cry.

“This morning she woke screaming. We have found her downstairs before and we can’t get anything out of her. I worry she is going to fall down the stairs at night.

“The owner has got away with it and won’t even have to pay for when it was in the kennels.”

Mr Varrow said the family remained thankful Abbie did not suffer more serious injuries in the incident, which happened as she played near her home in Ploughmans Lane, Great Notley.

He said: “She could have lost her life, and in that respect you have to look at what you have got. She knows all the people around her are supporting her and in time we hope she can get back to normal.” A Crown Proseuction Service spokesman said after a careful review, it was decided there was “insufficient evidence” for charges.

He added: “Our sympathies are with the victim of this horrendous incident, but we were unable to show to the very high standard of proof required in respect of criminal proceedings that the owner was negligent in the control of his dogs.”