The girl has not been named
A 17-month-old girl has died following an attack from the family dog in her home in St Helens.
Merseyside Police responded to a call at 3:50pm on (March 21) from an address on Bidston Avenue, Blackbrook. Emergency services found a young child mauled by the family pet they had brought home only last week.
The girl was rushed to the hospital where she later died of her injuries, while the dog was turned over to the police and has now been humanely put down, reports ITV.
APPEAL | We can confirm that officers are at an address in St Helens following the tragic death of a 17-month-old girl who was attacked by a dog in #Blackbrook Were you near by and did you see anything? DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK if you can help.https://t.co/aIiUUIXb7t pic.twitter.com/rJwBPHUMVV
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) March 21, 2022
Police say the dog will undergo further forensic examinations to identify whether the breed was illegal under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991.
“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the child’s family at this devastating time,” Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said. “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.”
She continued: “Our officers will remain on Bidston Avenue 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 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.”
Related links:
- Fleeing Ukrainian woman carries large elderly dog 10 miles across border on her shoulders
- Mayor of Melitopol abducted by Russian forces
- Brits to be asked to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes
