Neighbours who live near tragic tot Alice Stones, who was mauled to death by her family’s dog, plan to hold a vigil in her honour later today.
The four-year-old was killed in an attack by the animal last night in the garden of her home in Broadlands, Milton Keynes.
Members of the emergency services rushed to the scene but tragically Alice was pronounced dead. Shortly afterwards the dog was shot dead by armed cops.
Local community councillor Donna Fuller said: "Netherfield is a very tight-knit estate and the whole community is grieving. There is a profound sense of sadness and shock at what has happened."
The community candlelit vigil has been organised tonight for 7pm at the Grand Union Vineyard chapel on the Netherfield estate, which is opposite Alice's home.
"It is a very visible way to show the family we care," said Donna.
"It will help people process their own shock and show the family that they are thinking of them at this terrible time."
Rita Matthews, who lives two doors away from the scene, said she knew Alice's mother Louise as they walked their children to school together.
She said: "The first I knew what was happening was when lots of police cars turned up in the street. Officers told everyone that nobody was to go outside their homes.
"I used to walk to school with little Alice's mum so I know the family quite well. Her parents are a couple and are lovely people.
“She was always holding her mummy's hand on the way back.
"She would say, 'Bye, auntie', and I would say, 'Bye, little girl', you know kids, playing around.
"It's so sad we're not going to see the girl again and I pray all the best to her mum to get her strength back."
Several bouquets of flowers have been left at the scene of the tragedy as specialist police officers continue to help the family.
Superintendent Matt Bullivant said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident, in which we believe that a child has been killed after being attacked by a dog.
“Clearly, we are in the very early stages of an investigation, and it would be wrong and unhelpful to speculate as to the exact circumstances of this incident at this point.
“However, in order to ensure public safety, a decision was made earlier this evening to destroy the dog involved, and this has been done humanely.
“I understand how much of an impact this will have on the community and on the wider public, and people can expect to see a large police presence in the area this evening and beyond while our investigation continues.
“I would like to reassure people that there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the wider public at this time.
“Anyone with concerns should feel free to approach our officers and ask questions, but I urge people not to speculate about the circumstances, especially on social media platforms.
“I also understand that this case is likely to attract attention from the media. With this in mind I would like to ask that the privacy of the family involved is respected at this very difficult time.
“It is impossible to imagine what they must be going through at the moment.”
This morning people were seen laying flowers close to the family’s home as police continued investigations.
A blue forensic tent has been erected in the garden of the property.
A neighbour revealed they heard the girl’s mother screaming in the aftermath of the tragic incident.
