A 17-year-month old girl who died after being mauled by a dog at home in Merseyside has been named as Bella-Rae Birch.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the tragic incident on Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook, St Helens, at around 3.50pm yesterday (Monday). The tot was taken to hospital.
She sadly died of her injuries. Police said the 'absolutely devastated' family had only bought the dog a week ago.
READ MORE: Police guard home where baby girl was mauled to death by dog her family got last week
In an update issued this morning, Merseyside Police named Bella-Rae as the victim. Neighbours have described hearing 'screaming' as the incident unfolded yesterday.
One resident told the PA news agency: “We pulled up from school and heard screaming. I just ran over to try to help and started CPR until the paramedics took over.”
The neighbour, who is due to go to university to train as a paramedic, said the child’s parents were 'hysterical'. She added: “I didn’t see the dog, I was just focusing on helping the baby.”
Police have been pictured guarding a home this morning. The dog was handed over to officers and has now been put down.
A forensic examination will take place to determine its breed and whether it was legal to own under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Officers are also looking for the previous owners of the dog so they can learn more about its history.
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police on Twitter @MerPolCC, or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, with reference number 22000196837. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
