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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Kieren Williams

Grieving mum breaks silence after gorgeous baby girl mauled to death by dog

A grieving mum has spoken out for the first time after her ‘blue-eyed baby girl’ is mauled to death by family’s pet dog.

Bella-Rae Birch was tragically killed on March 21 in what her mother called a “tragic sudden accident”.

The 17-month-old tot was attacked and killed by the family’s new pet dog, where they lived in St Helen's, Merseyside.

Now, as she grieves, mum Treysharn is trying to fundraise for her daughter’s premature funeral.

On the fundraising page, she wrote: "On the 21st of March we sadly lost our gorgeous blue-eyed baby girl, who was just one year of age, in a tragic sudden accident.

"We are now in a position where we need to raise funds towards the most beautiful send-off.

17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch (PA)
Forensic investigators at the scene of the tragic incident in St Helens, Merseyside (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

"Every little will help, every little is appreciated. Thank you everyone."

After the horrific incident on Monday, neighbours, friends and people from around the world have donated thousands to pay for the youngster’s funeral.

Neighbours claimed that the dog, which was destroyed after the attack, was an American Bully that the baby’s dad, Ryan, had bought ‘for buttons’ last week, The Daily Star reported .

American Bullies are legal to keep and breed in the UK and the police are still trying to confirm the breed and trace the previous owner.

Police officer lays flowers at the scene outside a house (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

One well-wisher replied to the heartbroken mum, they said: "My thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.

“RIP little one. I run a local florist and when the time is right we would like to donate a floral tribute of the family’s choice."

Another said: "What a terrible shame. I live a few streets away. Rest in peace."

"Thinking of you all at this devastating time. Bella will get the send off she deserves. Sleep tight gorgeous girl," added another.

Neighbours hug outside the scene of the attack (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

The youngster, who was attacked at the family’s home in St Helens, Merseyside, celebrated her first birthday in October last year with her parents and older brother.

In a heartbreaking online message Ryan wrote then: "Happy birthday to my little princess, big one today. First ever birthday!!

"My Bella boo. Have the best day gorgeous. We love you too much."

Police stand outside the family home where the tot was mauled to death (Liverpool Echo)

The family is holding a balloon-release vigil in the tot’s memory at St Helens Church on March 30.

A poster advertising the event on Facebook read: "Please join us in creating a beautiful vigil and balloon release in memory of Bella-Rae.

"Music and mascots will be involved to create a memorable evening.”

The fundraiser has now raised its target of £3,000 and you can donate here .

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