The mum of a toddler killed in a dog attack has paid tribute to her 'gorgeous blue eyed baby girl.'
Bella-Rae Birch died on Monday after a dog mauled her in her home in Blackbrook, St Helens. Police said the pet had been brought by the family just a week before the attack. Treysharn Bates, the mum of Bella-Rae, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her daughter's funeral. The appeal has already raised has more than £2,900 to help give Bella-Rae the most 'beautiful send off.'
Posting a tribute on the GoFundMe page, Treysharn said: On the 21st of March we sadly lost our gorgeous blue eyed baby girl, who was just one year's of age, in a tragic sudden accident. 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."
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Those who left donations also paid tribute to Bella-Rae and her family. Tracey Harrison said: "May your beautiful little girl rest in the arms of the angels and god willing you will one day find some peace." While Jamie Leicester commented: "My thoughts are with all the family at this sad time. R.I.P little one. I run a local florist and when the time is right we would like to donate a floral tribute of the family's choice."
A third, Zoe McDermott said: "Thinking of you all at this devastating time. Bella will get the send off she deserves. Sleep tight gorgeous girl." And Linda McDonald added: "I am so sorry for your loss, sending my heartfelt condolences to all."
Police confirmed an investigation is underway to determine whether the dog was an illegal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. It was seized by officers and humanely killed after the attack. In a police address made close to the scene, 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.
"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.
"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."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via the social media desk @MerPolCC or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, with reference 22000196837. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity @CrimestoppersUK anonymously, on 0800 555 111. You can also use their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information .
