Dog attack death: Toddler killed in St Helens named as Bella-Rae Birch

The family had only had the dog for a week

The baby girl who died after a dog attack in St Helens on Monday has been named as Bella-Rae Birch. The 17-month-old was attacked at an address on Bidston Avenue, Blackbrook at around 3.50pm. Emergency services attended the scene and Bella-Rae was taken to hospital where she later died of her injuries. Merseyside Police said the dog, who had only been with the family for a week, has been put down. The dog will be examined to determine its breed and whether it was banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991), the force added, the force added. https://twitter.com/iancritchley2/status/1506173643973443586 "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."

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