A four-year-old girl has died after a reported dog attack.
Officers from Thames Valley Police were called to the back garden of a home in Netherfield, Milton Keynes, following reports a dog attacking a child. Once officers got to the scene it was quickly confirmed a four-year-old girl had died.
Officers remain at the scene, where the dog has since been destroyed. No one else was hurt in the incident, and the child’s family are being supported by specially trained officers, police say.
READ MORE: 'Pay Pete's debts' threat before salon windows went in
No arrests have been made in connection with this investigation.
Superintendent Matt Bullivant said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident, in which we believe that a child has been killed after being attacked by a dog. Clearly, we are in the very early stages of an investigation, and it would be wrong and unhelpful to speculate as to the exact circumstances of this incident at this point.
“However, in order to ensure public safety, a decision was made earlier this evening to destroy the dog involved, and this has been done humanely. I understand how much of an impact this will have on the community and on the wider public, and people can expect to see a large police presence in the area this evening and beyond while our investigation continues.
“I would like to reassure people that there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the wider public at this time. Anyone with concerns should feel free to approach our officers and ask questions, but I urge people not to speculate about the circumstances, especially on social media platforms.
“I also understand that this case is likely to attract attention from the media. With this in mind I would like to ask that the privacy of the family involved is respected at this very difficult time. It is impossible to imagine what they must be going through at the moment.
“We will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”
READ NEXT
Police apologise for Hillsborough failures and for 'blighting lives' of families
People in Liverpool warned not to open their doors after crime spate
B&M brings back Ninja air fryer dupe that costs 18p per hour to run
