A 17-month-old girl has died after being mauled by a dog in her own home in Merseyside.
Emergency services rushed to Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook, St Helens, at around 3.50pm yesterday (Monday). The tot was taken to hospital from the scene.
Tragically, she died of her injuries. Police said the family had only bought the dog a week ago.
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The dog was handed over to police when they arrived at the scene and it has since been destroyed. It will be forensically examined to determine its breed and whether it is legal under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).
Officers want to find the previous owners of the dog. They want to find out more about its history, Merseyside Police said.
Detective inspector Lisa Milligan said the little girl's family are 'absolutely devastated'. She 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.
"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 information can contact Merseyside Police on Twitter @MerPolCC, or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, with reference number 22000196837. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
