Dangerous dogs are back on the political agenda after two recent attacks that have killed young children.

Campaigners are calling for the laws governing dogs and their owners to be tightened, to try and control the threat of the animals.

In south Essex there have been several reported attacks in recent months and earlier this week a woman from Southend was told to keep her Staffordshire bull terrier in a muzzle when in public, after it attacked three other dogs.

Last month Alan Lee, 58, was left in need of hospital treatment after a vicious dog attacked him in Rochford Road, Southend.

Mr Lee of Feeches Road, Southend described the attack saying: "I was lying in the road and it would not get off me. It bit me all over my face and hands."

The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits four types of dogs, the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila brasileiro.

It is an offence to own or keep any of these types of dog, unless it is on the index of exempted dogs. It is also an offence to breed from, sell or exchange these animals.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: "There are certain types of dogs that are wholly inappropriate as pets. I am no expert on dogs, but the safety of any human being has got to come first over any individual's right to own a certain type.

"As soon as there is a serious attack on a human being that dog should be put down."

Renewed calls for more restrictions on dangerous dogs have been made following two tragic cases.

Five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson from Merseyside, whose funeral was yesterday, was killed earlier this week by her uncle's pit bull.

In December, five month old Cadey-Lee Deacon, from Leicester, died when she was mauled by two rottweilers.

MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, Angela Smith said: "It's not so much a case of making a new law, but rather ensuring the existing one is applied diligently.

"The case of that poor little five- year-old is absolutely horrific. I think it heartbreaking this tragedy could have been prevented.

"We must make sure the legislation is applied and this does not happen again.

"Owners must take responsibility for their dogs. They are the ones who know if it is dangerous or not."

Pam Kay is chairman of South East Essex Animal Trust and helps rehome dogs, including recently, four rottweiller puppies.

She said: "Often it is not the dog but the owner. If a puppy is looked after correctly there shouldn't be a problem with most breeds.

"We had a case recently where a dog bit someone, but they were just playing.

"The mother told her daughter if it happened again then she should kick it.

"That is absolutely the last thing you should do.

"I have noticed recently when I've been out walking my dogs that children seem to be a little bit more scared of them.

"I don't know if that is parents who are just getting more worried because of what they hear on the news."