Police have confirmed that a baby girl was mauled to death by a dog her parents purchased just a week ago.
At around 3.50 p.m. on Monday, March 21, Merseyside Police received a report that a youngster had been attacked by a dog at a home on Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook, St Helens, Merseyside, England.
The 17-month-old girl was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries and died.
Following the attack, the dog was put down.
Lisa Milligan, a detective inspector, said: “This is a heartbreaking event, and our hearts go out to the child’s family during this difficult time. The parents and extended relatives of the little girl are devastated, and our Family Liaison Officers are assisting them during this difficult time.
“While the investigation into this unfortunate incident is still in its early stages, we can confirm that the dog was only purchased by the family a week ago, and officers are seeking to find the canine’s former owners and determine its background.
“Our police will remain on Bidston Avenue this tonight and in the coming days to reassure the local people, and we will work relentlessly to learn more about the situation.
“Please come forward and speak to one of our officers if you were in the Bidston Avenue area this afternoon and witnessed anything or have any information on the dog in question.
“The issue of hazardous dogs is taken very seriously by our police. Over the last few years, we’ve been aggressive in working with Merseyside’s five local authorities to ensure that forbidden pets are removed off the streets.”
The Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 is being investigated to see if the dog was of an illegal breed.