The family of 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch who died after being mauled by a dog in Merseyside has said she will 'never be forgotten'. The tot tragically died of her injuries after being attacked by the dog in her own home on Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook, St Helens yesterday (Monday).
The family had only bought the dog a week before. It was handed over to officers and put down after the shocking incident. Investigations are now ongoing to determine its breed as police try to find its previous owners.
READ MORE: Baby girl who died after being mauled by dog named as Bella-Rae Birch
Two pictures of Bella-Rae have now been released through Merseyside Police. Her family has also issued a statement.
The statement read: "As a family we would like to thank the community for their support. We would ask that we are now allowed some space and time to try and come to terms with the tragic loss of our much-loved Bella-Rae.
"She will be sadly missed but never forgotten."
Neighbours described trying to save the 'beautiful' toddler after hearing her parents’ screams.
Superintendent Steve Brizell said: "Bella-Rae has lost her life in the most unimaginably terrible circumstances and our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and the wider community at this devastating time. Our specialist family liaison officers are providing the family of Bella-Rae with support and officers will remain in the area in the coming days to provide further reassurance and support for the wider community.
"At this stage we understand that the family dog they had bought just a week earlier has attacked Bella-Rae inside the family home. Bella-Rae was taken by ambulance to hospital by paramedics but despite the best efforts of police officers at scene, paramedics and doctors sadly Bella-Rae died as a result of her injuries yesterday afternoon.
"It has left a family and a community grieving and in complete shock."
