Young girl killed in dog attack was mauled by family pet shot dead at scene

The young girl killed in a dog attack was mauled by her family's own pet, police have revealed today. While the victim has not been officially identified, she has been named in reports as four-year-old Alice Stones.

Thames Valley Police said paramedics called officers to a property in Broadlands, Netherfield, Milton Keynes, around 5pm on Tuesday, January 31, reports the Mirror. Cops confirmed the animal was put down by officers at the scene.

Superintendent Marc Tarbit said on Wednesday: “The child’s family are being supported by specially-trained officers and we’d ask that their privacy is respected.

“An investigation is currently under way to fully understand the circumstances but we currently believe that this was a tragic, isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.

“Accordingly, no arrests have been made at this time. I can confirm that the dog was a family pet and was put down by police on the scene yesterday evening.”

Forensic officers on the scene in Milton Keynes. (PA)

Officers are working to establish the breed of the dog. Police have also asked people not to speculate on websites or social media, as the details are upsetting Alice's family.

A statement said: "Thames Valley Police is continuing to investigate the death of a four-year-old girl following a dog attack in Milton Keynes.

"Officers were called to the back garden of a property in Broadlands, Netherfield just after 5pm yesterday, January 31. It was reported that a dog had attacked a child.

The dog was shot dead at the scene. (PA)

"Sadly, it was confirmed that the girl died at the property. Formal identification is yet to take place. Her family are being supported by specially trained officers."

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