Four year-old girl dies after dog attack in Milton Keynes
It happened in Broadlands just after 5pm on Tuesday
Last updated 1st Feb 2023
Thames Valley Police say a four-year-old girl has died at a property in Milton Keynes after a dog attack.
Officers were called by the ambulance service shortly after 5pm on Tuesday 31st January to the back garden of a property in Broadlands, Netherfield.
It was quickly confirmed that the child had died at the property.
The dog has since been humanely destroyed. No one else was hurt as a result of the incident, and the child’s family are being supported by specially trained officers at this incredibly difficult time.
No arrests have been made in connection with this investigation.
Superintendent Matt Bullivant said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident, in which we believe that a child has been killed after being attacked by a dog.
“Clearly, we are in the very early stages of an investigation, and it would be wrong and unhelpful to speculate as to the exact circumstances of this incident at this point.
“However, in order to ensure public safety, a decision was made earlier this evening to destroy the dog involved, and this has been done humanely.
“I understand how much of an impact this will have on the community and on the wider public, and people can expect to see a large police presence in the area this evening and beyond while our investigation continues.
“I would like to reassure people that there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the wider public at this time."
Neighbour Rita Matthews, 36, said she would see the girl while walking her own daughter to school.
“I know the girl. It’s so sad to hear that news,” she said.
“She was always holding her mummy’s hand on the way back.
“It’s so sad we’re not going to see the girl again and I pray all the best to her mum to get her strength back.”
Mother-of-four Ms Matthews described the youngster as a “happy little girl, very happy”.
“She would say, ‘Bye, auntie’, and I would say, ‘Bye, little girl’,” she said.
“You know kids, playing around.”
Superintendent Bullivant added: “Anyone with concerns should feel free to approach our officers and ask questions, but I urge people not to speculate about the circumstances, especially on social media platforms.
“I also understand that this case is likely to attract attention from the media. With this in mind I would like to ask that the privacy of the family involved is respected at this very difficult time. It is impossible to imagine what they must be going through at the moment.
“We will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”