The breed of a dog which mauled 17-month-old Bell-Rae Birch to death in her own home has been confirmed by police. The toddler tragically died from her injuries a short time after the incident.
Merseyside Police has reported that Bella-Rae's family had bought the dog just a week before the attack. Tests have confirmed that the dog involved was an American Bully XL, a legal breed not subject to any prohibitions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, reports the LiverpoolECHO.
The American Bully XL is one of four varieties of the popular American Bully breed. Bred as companion dogs, the XL Bully features a muscular build, distinctive face, and usually good temperament.
Bella-Rae was mauled by the animal at her home in St Helens at around 3.50pm on Monday, March 21. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and took the baby to hospital. But she died soon afterwards.
Tributes to Bella-Rae have continued to pour in since the incident. Thousands of people have expressed their sadness online and dozens have left flowers, balloons and teddy bears at the scene.
Her family also issued a tribute to Bella-Rae through Merseyside police, and said: "As a family we would like to thank the community for their support. We would ask that we are now allowed some space and time to try and come to terms with the tragic loss of our much-loved Bella-Rae. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
In a police statement Superintendent Steve Brizell, of Merseyside Police, said: "We were called by the family of a 17-month-old girl Bella-Rae Birch. Bella-Rae has lost her life in the most unimaginably terrible circumstances and our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and the wider community at this devastating time."
He added: "At this stage we understand that the family dog they'd bought just a week earlier has attacked Bella-Rae inside the family home. Bella-Rae was taken by ambulance to hospital by paramedics but despite the best efforts at police officers at the scene, the paramedics and doctors, sadly Bella-Rae died as a result of her injuries."
Detectives said the force was continuing their inquiries into the toddler's death. They urged anyone with information to come forward.
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