A baby girl has been tragically killed after she was mauled to death by a dog in her own house yesterday afternoon, only one week after the family bought the pet.
Police rushed to the scene at around 3.50pm on Monday March 21, after reports that a 17-month-old child had been attacked by a dog.
The girl was rushed to hospital but died shortly later from her injuries following the incident in Bidston Avenue, Blackbrook, Liverpool.
The dog was seized by police when they arrived at the house were the attack took place and has since been destroyed.
The animal will be subject to further forensic examinations to work out what breed it was and whether it is, or isn’t a legal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).
Officers remain at the scene this morning and extensive CCTV, witness and house-to-house enquiries are carried out, according to Liverpool Echo.
Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the child’s family at this devastating time.
“The little girl’s parents and wider family are absolutely devastated and our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing them with support at this horrendous time.
“Whilst we are in the very early stages of the investigation into this extremely tragic incident we can confirm that the dog was only bought by the family a week ago and officers are working to identify the previous owners of the dog concerned and establish its history.
“Our officers will remain on Bidston Avenue this evening and in the coming days to provide reassurance to the local community and we will work tirelessly to establish the full circumstances.
“If you were in the Bidston Avenue area this afternoon and witnessed anything, or have any information about the dog in question then please come forward speak to one of our officers. Our officers take the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously.
“Over the past years we have worked proactively with the five local authorities in Merseyside to ensure prohibited dogs are taken off the streets.“
Anyone with any information is asked to contact us via the social media desk @MerPolCC or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, with reference 22000196837.
Alternatively, you can call the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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