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Kathleen Speirs & Milo Boyd & Sam Truelove

Breed of dog that mauled Bella-Rae Birch to death confirmed by police

The breed of dog which killed tragic tot Bella-Rae Birch has been confirmed by police.

An American Bully XL mauled the 17-month-old to death in her own home on March 21.

The monster dog was the family's new pet at their home in St Helen's Merseyside bought just a week before it killed Bella-Rae.

American Bully XLs are a legal breed and not subject to prohibitions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, the Mirror reports.

Thousands has been donated to the toddler's funeral in the wake of her death.

The young girl's mum, Treysharn, wrote on a fundraising page: "On the 21st of March we sadly lost our gorgeous blue-eyed baby girl, who was just one year of age, in a tragic sudden accident.

Bella-Rae Birch was killed at her own home by an out-of-control dog (Merseyside Police / SWNS.COM)

"We are now in a position where we need to raise funds towards the most beautiful send-off.

"Every little will help, every little is appreciated. Thank you everyone."

In a statement released on Wednesday, Merseyside Police confirmed the dog was not a banned breed.

Bella-Rae Birch died in hospital from her injuries (PA)

"Merseyside Police are continuing enquiries into the tragic death of Bella-Rea Birch, as the family remain supported by specialist officers," the statement read.

"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. "

In an emotional tribute through Merseyside Police, Bella-Rae's family said: "As a family we would like to thank the community for their support.

Bella-Rae Birch was described as a ' gorgeous blue-eyed baby girl' by her mum Treysharn (Liverpool Echo)

"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."

Following the tragic incident, police cordoned off parts of Bidston Avenue, St Helens while they launched an investigation.

In a police press statement made close to the scene on Tuesday, Superintendent Steve Brizell said: "The community of Blackbrook and the whole of Merseyside has woken up today to the most tragic news. Officers were called to attend a house here on Bidston Avenue, at around 3.50pm yesterday.

Bidston Avenue in St Helens was cordoned off following the tragic incident (Liverpool Echo)

"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."

Bell-Rae Birch was mauled to death in her own home by an American Bully XL (Getty Images)

Anyone with information is urged to 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.

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