A community has been devastated by the death of a beautiful little girl in St Helens.
Merseyside Police were called to Bidston Avenue in Blackbrook at around 3.50pm on Monday following reports 17-month old Bella-Rae Birch had been attacked by a family dog. Emergency services attended and the child was taken to hospital where, despite best efforts, she sadly died as a result of her injuries.
Police confirmed the dog, which had been bought just a week before, was handed over to officers and has been humanely destroyed. The dog will be subjected to further forensic examinations to determine its breed and whether it is or isn't a legal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
READ MORE: Baby girl mauled to death by dog in St Helens named as Bella-Rae Birch
Neighbours on a nearby road said they were "shocked" and "saddened" to hear of the "devastating" incident. Flowers were seen being left at the scene by grieving members of the community. One local said: "You just can't imagine it, it's absolutely horrific."
Superintendent Steve Brizell said at the scene on Tuesday morning that members of the community of Blackbrook and the whole of Merseyside were woken up to "tragic news". He added: "Bella-Rae has lost her life in the most unimaginably terrible circumstances."
One person told the ECHO : "That poor family, it's absolutely heartbreaking. I can't imagine what they are going through, my thoughts are with them all." Another added: "It's just horrific. Anything can happen."
A third said it was devastating all around while another resident nearby said they heard "hysterical screaming" on Monday afternoon. Officers remained at the scene on Monday evening and into Tuesday morning as their investigation continued and enquiries carried out. Officers are urging anyone with information to contact police with reference 22000196837.
One nearby resident said the toddler was "beautiful" and they were "shocked" to see the police presence on Monday evening, adding they are "heartbroken" for the family. Another said they were "lost for words". The square is said to have been "swarming" with police on Monday evening as a heroic neighbour rushed to help the toddler.
The neighbour, Jordan, who is hoping to train to be a paramedic when she goes to university in September, ran over to help when she heard screams. She said: "I gave CPR to the baby. My head is a mess. I heard them screaming for help and I ran over. The parents were hysterical. I've lived here for eight years but I've never spoken to them before."
The family is said to have lived in the house for several years but only recently bought the dog. One man said he saw emergency services rush to the scene, adding: "We didn't really speak to them much but seen them out and about. She was a beautiful little girl, it's devastating."
