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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Charlie Lawrence-Jones

Three dogs nicknamed 'the beasts' are 'put to sleep' after boy, 2, mauled to death

Three Rottweiler dogs removed from a house after a toddler was mauled to death have been put down, it has been confirmed.

The two-year-old boy was attacked by one of the hounds at his home in Egdon, Worcestershire, on March 28 before his family rushed to take him to hospital.

They stopped at Worcester Countryside Centre on the advice of the ambulance service before being transported by paramedics to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

The toddler was then transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital in a critical condition where he later died from his injuries two days later on March 30.

The dogs - which locals had dubbed "the beasts" - were previously being securely housed by West Mercia Police while investigations were ongoing.

No arrests have been made (SWNS)

The animals have now been put down, although no arrests have been made and the force said enquiries continue.

A police spokesperson said: "I can confirm that the three dogs which were seized as part of the investigation into the dog attack in Egdon have now been put to sleep.

"Other than that there are no updates at the moment. There have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing."

Superintendent Rebecca Love, local policing commander for South Worcestershire, previously confirmed the boy's death at a media briefing.

She said: “Officers responded to a report of a two-year-old child in cardiac arrest at approximately 11.20am on Monday March 28.

Worcester Woods Country park (Tristan Potter / SWNS)

“It was quickly established the child had suffered injuries as a result of being bitten by a dog at the address in Worcestershire.

“The child was transferred from Worcestershire Royal Hospital to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and despite medical treatment, he has died as a result of his injuries.

“This is a truly tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time."

One local said previously: "I've seen the owners of the white cottage before, they have Rottweilers.

"You can hear them barking from the fields. I used to see them walking the dogs, one time they got out onto the main road.

"It's all secluded so you don't really see anyone, everyone is kind of hidden away.

"I walk my dog here a lot because of the route and you can hear the dogs barking, lots of barks.”

The family stopped on route to the hospital on advice from paramedics (Tristan Potter / SWNS)

Another resident added: "Everyone keeps themselves pretty private around here and no one asks many questions.

"I think people are a bit intimidated by the family with those dogs. We call them 'the beasts' because they are always making such a racket.

"My wife refuses to walk our dog anywhere near there in case they get out. Everyone is so sad for the little lad who died. It's an absolute tragedy."

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