A dog which fatally attacked a three-year-old boy at a farm in Rochdale has been destroyed as police continue their enquiries into the tragedy.
The alarm was raised at about 1.15pm on Sunday as paramedics were called to Carr Lane, Milnrow following the incident.
The boy was taken to hospital with serous injuries but died shortly afterwards.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “Enquiries have established that the boy was outdoors with a number of dogs prior to being found with serious injuries.
“Several dogs have been seized. One has been humanely destroyed.
“Enquiries in relation to the dogs are ongoing.”
Officers are currently supporting the loved ones of the little boy, who is yet to be named.
Members of the public have been requested to ignore speculation online as investigations continue.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Scott Green said: “Our thoughts, of course, remain with the loved ones of the young boy who so sadly died following yesterday’s incident. Specially trained officers have been deployed to support them.
“A thorough investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and review other incidents of note. Due to previous contact, GMP’s Professional Standards Branch is making a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
“It goes without saying that this news will have had an impact on the community.
“I can reassure members of the public that any criminal offences identified by our enquiries in relation to this incident will be dealt with accordingly by ourselves and our criminal justice partners.
“We are aware of speculation on social media and ask that members of the public and the media refrain from engaging in speculation at this time until our investigation is complete and any subsequent criminal proceedings have concluded.”
Anyone with information is asked to share it via 0161 856 7386 or gmp.police.uk .
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels, of GMP's Public Protection and Serious Crime Division, previously said of the incident: "This is a tragic, devastating incident and our thoughts are with the family at this horrendous time.
"We are investigating the incident and previous incidents involving dogs at this address.
"While our enquiries to find out what happened will be thorough and are very much in their infancy, we suspect that this little boy has, sadly succumbed, to injuries received as a result of a dog attack.
