A 17-month-old baby has been killed after being attacked by a dog at her home in St Helens.
Merseyside police were called to the address on Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook after reports the girl had been attacked. Emergency services attended and took her to hospital but she died as a result of her injuries.
The dog was put down by police, who said it will now be subjected to further forensic examination to determine its breed and legality.
DI Lisa Milligan said the dog had only been bought by the family a week before, and detectives were looking to find its previous owner.
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.
“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.”
Milligan urged witnesses or anybody who had any information on the dog to contact police.
She added: “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 should contact @MerPolCC or Merseyside police Contact Centre on Facebook, with reference 22000196837.
Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
