Child dies following dog attack in Caerphilly

Police were called to an address in Penyrheol on Monday afternoon

The incident happened at an address in Pentwyn, Penyrhoel in Caerphilly on Monday
Author: Lauren JonesPublished 9th Nov 2021
Last updated 9th Nov 2021

A 10-year-old boy has died after he was attacked by a dog in Caerphilly.

Gwent Police were called to an address in Pentwyn, Penyrhoel, Caerphilly at around 3.55pm on Monday following reports of a dog attack.

Officers attended, including specially-trained firearms officers, alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed that a 10-year-old boy had died at the scene.

The dog was destroyed by firearms officers and no other animals were involved in the attack.

Local residents have been told not to be alarmed by an increased police presence in the area while investigations continue.

A previous threat

Reaction from a resident in the neighbourhood suggests it's not the first time the dog has been a threat to children.

Speaking to the PA news agency, the resident said: "The dog has been a nuisance on the estate for a bit of a time.

"I took our son down to the local shop a few days ago, and he was down there then and he was lunging at my son.

"My son is three years old and I had to pick up my son just to move around the dog because of the size on him."

Paramedics were called but were unable to save the boy who died at the scene

Chief Superintendent Mark Hobrough said: “Officers will be making further enquiries at this time and will remain at the scene as the investigation progresses.

“It is possible that you may see ongoing police activity in Caerphilly as part of this work.

"You may have also seen an increased presence earlier today while officers were attending the incident, but please do not be alarmed.

“If you have concerns or information then please do stop and talk with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call us on 101, quoting log reference 2100392510.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.