Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Antony Thrower

Dog put down after three-year-old boy mauled to death in 'tragic, devastating incident'

A dog which fatally attacked a three-year-old boy at a farm in Rochdale has been destroyed as police continue their enquiries into the tragedy.

The alarm was raised at about 1.15pm on Sunday as paramedics were called to Carr Lane, Milnrow following the incident.

The boy was taken to hospital with serous injuries but died shortly afterwards.

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “Enquiries have established that the boy was outdoors with a number of dogs prior to being found with serious injuries.

“Several dogs have been seized. One has been humanely destroyed.

“Enquiries in relation to the dogs are ongoing.”

Police cars are seen near the scene where the little boy was attacked (PA)

Officers are currently supporting the loved ones of the little boy, who is yet to be named.

Members of the public have been requested to ignore speculation online as investigations continue.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Scott Green said: “Our thoughts, of course, remain with the loved ones of the young boy who so sadly died following yesterday’s incident. Specially trained officers have been deployed to support them.

“A thorough investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and review other incidents of note. Due to previous contact, GMP’s Professional Standards Branch is making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Officers have asked people to avoid speculation as investigations continue (Matthew Lofthouse SWNS)

“It goes without saying that this news will have had an impact on the community.

“I can reassure members of the public that any criminal offences identified by our enquiries in relation to this incident will be dealt with accordingly by ourselves and our criminal justice partners.

“We are aware of speculation on social media and ask that members of the public and the media refrain from engaging in speculation at this time until our investigation is complete and any subsequent criminal proceedings have concluded.”

Anyone with information is asked to share it via 0161 856 7386 or gmp.police.uk .

Specialist officers are with the family of the little boy (Matthew Lofthouse SWNS)

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels, of GMP's Public Protection and Serious Crime Division, previously said of the incident: "This is a tragic, devastating incident and our thoughts are with the family at this horrendous time.

A number of dogs were seized from the farm in Rochdale (Matthew Lofthouse SWNS)

"We are investigating the incident and previous incidents involving dogs at this address.

"While our enquiries to find out what happened will be thorough and are very much in their infancy, we suspect that this little boy has, sadly succumbed, to injuries received as a result of a dog attack.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.