A dog was shot by an Elgin police officer after attacking three children on Tuesday morning, according to the Elgin Police Department.

At 7:37 a.m., officers responded to reports of multiple dog attacks of minors in the Kathleen Drive and Meyer Street area.

Officers observed a large breed dog attack an Elgin miner on the ground, authorities said.

An adult male then intervened by separating the dog from the minor, and the two left the immediate area, authorities said.

According to authorities, the dog continued to behave aggressively after attacking the minor.

An officer was forced to discharge his weapon, fatally wounding the dog, authorities said.

Three Elgin miners were injured by the dog and were taken to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Authorities said they have since been released from hospital.

An investigation into the incident is still ongoing.