Four-year-old girl dies after ‘dog attack in a back garden’ in Milton Keynes
A four-year-old girl has been killed after being attacked by a dog in a back garden earlier this evening.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 5pm today after a report that a dog had attacked a child in the back garden of a property in Milton Keynes.
It was quickly confirmed that the child had died at the property.
The dog, the breed of which has not been revealed, was humanely destroyed at the scene by police.
No one else was hurt as a result of the incident, and the child’s family are being supported by specially trained officers at this incredibly difficult time.
No arrests have been made in connection with this investigation.
Officers were called by the ambulance service shortly after 5pm today after a report that a dog had attacked a child in the back garden of a property in Broadlands, Netherfield (pictured)
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.
‘We will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.’
The tragic news comes as a woman in her 20s was mauled to death by eight dogs she was walking earlier this month.
The 28-year-old dog walker died after a frenzied attack by the canines at the Gravelly Hill in Caterham, Surrey
Shiva, an 11-st Leonburger, was among eight dogs with the victim – and was a troublesome puppy who chewed anything she could get her paws on
Natasha Johnston, 28, died from ‘multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck’, an inquest heard, after a frenzied attack by the canines at the Gravelly Hill beauty spot in Caterham, Surrey, on January 12.
Eight dogs were seized at the scene although police confirmed last week that there would be no individual prosecutions.
Forensic tests are underway to determine which of the dogs were involved in the attack. Ms Johnstone’s inquest is set to resume on June 29.
The coroner said on Tuesday: ‘A post-mortem examination was carried out at Royal Surrey County Hospital on January 18.
‘The medical cause of death (was) given as 1a) shock and haemorrhage including perforation of the left jugular vein, and in 1b) the pathologist places multiple penetrating dog bites to her neck.
‘The reason for the inquest required is the nature of the traumatic injuries.’
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