The quick actions of bystanders might have been pivotal in saving the life of a 17-year-old girl who suffered serious injuries in a dog attack in the NSW Hunter Valley area, according to police.

Emergency services were called to the girl’s friend’s home on Broughton Street in Singleton, north-west of Newcastle, about 11.30am yesterday.

The girl was attacked by the dog, described as a 10-year-old large mixed-breed, before passersby managed to pull it off her.

Witnesses were first on scene and provided basic first aid until emergency services arrived.

Hunter Valley Acting Superintendent Justin Cornes described the actions of passersby as “heroic”.

“It was an incredible act given the circumstances,” he said.

“They rendered what potentially could be life-saving treatment.

She suffered critical head, neck and body injuries and was flown to John Hunter Hospital.

Police and council rangers arrived at the scene to put down the dog, with the owner’s consent, who has been cooperating with the police in their investigation. 

The dog was a mix breed of a boxer, bull Arab, and Irish wolfhound. 

Investigations are continuing, and no charges have been laid.