Greater Manchester police have referred themselves to the independent complaints body after it emerged that officers had had previous involvement in the case of a three-year-old boy killed by a dog.
The child died on Sunday after what police described as a “tragic, devastating incident” at a farm property on Carr Lane, Milnrow, near Rochdale.
The boy was outside with a number of dogs when the attack took place. The ambulance service and police were called at around 1.15pm and the boy was taken to hospital, where he died a short time later.
Police said several dogs were subsequently seized and one was humanely destroyed.
It has been reported that police investigated previous attacks on people by dogs from the property, which is close to the M62.
Greater Manchester police assistant chief constable Scott Green confirmed that there had been previous contact. He said: “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.”
Police were continuing to carry out an investigation at the property on Monday, with the area cordoned off and officers standing guard at the entrance.
Signs at the farm entrance were clearly visible saying: “Dogs are loose. Do not leave your vehicle. Beep or call,” and gives a telephone number. Another sign says: “Warning. Beware of the dogs. They bite.”
A number of dog walkers told ITV News that they avoided the area where the attack took place because of previous incidents.
No arrests have been made and the name of the victim has not yet been released.
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.
“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 inquiries 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.”
The force confirmed that it received a report on 9 April that a 17-year-old girl had been bitten by a dog on Carr Lane, Milnrow. A 48-year-old man was arrested and released, facing no further action.
