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A baby girl has been mauled to death at home by a dog which was bought just a week ago, police have said.
Merseyside Police said officers received a report that a child had been attacked by a dog at an address on Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook, St Helens at around 3.50pm on Monday afternoon.
Emergency services attended and the 17-month-old was taken to hospital where she died from her injuries.
The force added the dog was handed over to police at the address and has been destroyed. Police are investigating whether the dog was an illegal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Officers remained at scene on Bidston Avenue this morning and extensive CCTV, witness and house-to-house enquiries are being carried out.
Merseyside Police said officers received a report that a child had been attacked by a dog at an address on Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook, St Helens at around 3.50pm on Monday afternoon
Police at the house where a baby girl was mauled to death by a dog, Bidston Avenue
Officers received a report that a child had been attacked by a dog on Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook, St Helens, Merseyside on Monday afternoon
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.
Officers remained at scene on Bidston Avenue this morning and extensive CCTV, witness and house-to-house enquiries are being carried out
‘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 our 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.
Source: Daily Mail
