A toddler has died after being bitten by a dog at his home with a neighbour describing rottweilers nicknamed 'the beasts'.
The two-year-old boy was attacked on Monday morning in Egdon, Worcestershire, before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital and then Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he has since passed away.
It is believed one of the family's three rottweilers, known by neighbours as "the beasts", attacked the toddler.
The boy's parents attempted to take him to hospital themselves but stopped at Worcester Countryside Centre on the advice of the ambulance service.
Paramedics then took him to hospital.
West Mercia Police Superintendent Rebecca Love, local policing commander for South Worcestershire, said the incident was "truly tragic".
Have you been affected by this incident? Let us know at webnews@mirror.co.uk
She added that three dogs had been removed from the property, but could not confirm the breed.
They are not believed to be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Neighbours said the family own at least two large rottweilers.
A local said: "I've seen the owners of the white cottage before, they have rottweilers.
"You can hear them barking from the fields. I used to see them walking the dogs, one time they got out onto the main road.
"It's all secluded so you don't really see anyone, everyone is kind of hidden away.
"I walk my dog here a lot because of the route and you can hear the dogs barking, lots of barks."
Another resident, who walks his own dog nearby, said: "Everyone keeps themselves pretty private around here and no one asks many questions.
"I think people are a bit intimidated by the family with those dogs.
"We call them 'the beasts' because they are always making such a racket.
"My wife refuses to walk our dog anywhere near there in case they get out.
"Everyone is so sad for the little lad who died. It's an absolute tragedy."
Supt Love said: “We have been informed this morning that the young boy who was injured in an incident on Monday in Egdon, Worcestershire has sadly passed away.
“Officers responded to a report of a 2-year-old child in cardiac arrest at approximately 11.20am on Monday 28 March.
“It was quickly established the child had suffered injuries as a result of being bitten by a dog at the address in Worcestershire.
“The child was transferred from Worcestershire Royal Hospital to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and despite medical treatment, he has died as a result of his injuries.
“This is a truly tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.“Three dogs have been removed from the property and are currently being housed securely. I am unable to confirm the breed of the dogs at this time, but we do not believe they are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
“An investigation continues, and I would ask for your respect for the family’s privacy at this very distressing time.”
