Toddler killed in St Helens dog attack

The little girl was rushed to hospital, but died a short time after.

Author: Sophie MerrickPublished 22nd Mar 2022
Last updated 22nd Mar 2022

A 17 month old little girl has died, after she was attacked by a dog at her home in St Helens.

Merseyside Police were called to a report that a child had been attacked by a dog at an address on Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services attended and the child was taken to hospital, but she died from her injures a short time after.

The dog was handed over to police at the address and has been humanely destroyed.

Officers say the dog will be subject to further forensic examinations to determine its breed and whether it is, or isn’t a legal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

Officers remain at the scene on Bidston Avenue and are carrying out CCTV, witness and house-to-house enquiries.

Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the child’s family at this devastating time. 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.

“Whilst we are in the very early stages of the investigation into this extremely tragic incident we can confirm that the dog was only bought by the family a week ago and officers are working to identify the previous owners of the dog concerned and establish its history.

“Our officers will remain on Bidston Avenue this evening and 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 this afternoon 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.“

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via their social media desk @MerPolCC or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, with reference 22000196837.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

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