A “panicked” dog killed a baby after being spooked by fireworks in a Welsh town, it has been claimed.
The nine-month-old child was pronounced dead at a home in Crossway in Rogiet, south east Wales, following the attack at around 6pm on Sunday.
The dog reportedly became agitated by fireworks in a nearby field and went for the baby, Rogiet residents explained to The Sun.
Caroline Knight told the newspaper: “Someone was letting fireworks off near the house and the dog was agitated by them and must have panicked and gone for the baby.
“My thoughts are with the family today. It is absolutely heartbreaking. A terrible, terrible tragedy.”
Another neighbour recalled how there had been “horrendous” fireworks on Sunday evening.
They added: “You could hear dogs bark as well as the bangs - they could have set a dog off.”
The baby’s father was understood to be visiting family when the tragedy took place.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said: "The first thing I'd like to do is to offer my condolences on behalf of the Gwent Police to the family and all of those that have been impacted by the real tragic incident that happened yesterday, which has resulted in the loss of a life of a nine-month-old little boy.
"We know that this will have impacted on everybody within the community and we understand the effect that can have on people.
"Our officers attended a report of an attack by a family dog in an address in Crossway, Rogiet, at around 6pm on Sunday, November 2.
"A nine-month-old baby boy was pronounced dead at the scene by personnel from the Welsh Ambulance Service.
"The family of the child have been supported by dedicated officers.
"The dog was sedated and removed from the property and taken to a vet, where it was put down.
"We are in the very early stages of this investigation, and officers have continued to carry out various lines of enquiry to understand the circumstances of this tragic incident.
"Enquiry is still ongoing to establish the breed of the dog.
"It is important that we're certain of the breed, and we will release information once it has been formally confirmed.
"No arrests have been made at this time.
"We understand that an incident like this can have an impact on our communities, but we urge people not to speculate and to consider the impact that speculation can have on the family and the friends of the family.
"If you have any information at all, or you have any concerns, please contact us."
Residents in the 2,000-person village have spoken of their shock following the child’s death.
Katherine Close, trustee of the Rogiet Community Junction cafe, said: “The community is in shock, you never expect it.
“It’s not often that we see a lot of emergency vehicles around, so when it does happen you know something serious has happened.“We’re just waiting to hear… And then it’s picking up from there, supporting family, supporting neighbours, supporting our community.“We’ve had a lot of mums and babies come through the cafe over the years… It’s just heartbreaking.”
Craig Owen, who lives in a neighbouring property, said: “We don’t really see [the family] much to be honest, they were just renovating for a time. It’s just awful.”
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s really sad, it’s emotional.
“I’ve got a baby myself … I feel for the parents.”
Residents explained that Rogiet is a tiny village with a “really tight-knit community”.
Peter Strong, Monmouthshire county councillor for the Rogiet ward, described the incident as “unbelievably awful”.
He said: “I think the community is very much in mourning, there’s a profound sense of shock.
“(People are) really stunned, I think. Clearly, our thoughts are with the family, to lose a baby in these circumstances, a thing of deep joy and love, to have that taken away from you… It’s unbelievably awful.
“I’d like to appeal to the community to remain calm and give the police a chance to do their work and to give the family the chance to grieve in peace.”
Catherine Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire, added: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic dog attack that occurred in Rogiet yesterday evening.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the nine-month-old child who lost their life.
“I have spoken to Gwent Police, who are carrying out a full investigation into the incident.
“I also want to thank the emergency services for their swift response.
“I know that the close-knit Rogiet community, and all of us across Monmouthshire, will pull together at this most difficult time.”
