The ambulance-service/" title="Ambulance Service" rel="nofollow">ambulance service called officers shortly after 5 p.m. today after receiving a report that a dog had attacked a child in the back garden of a property in Broadlands, Netherfield.
The child’s death on the property was quickly confirmed.
Officers are still on the scene, where the dog was humanely destroyed. Nobody else was hurt in the incident, and the child’s family is being supported by specially trained officers during this extremely difficult time.
There have been no arrests in connection with this investigation.
“This is an absolutely tragic incident in which we believe a child has been killed after being attacked by a dog,” said Superintendent Matt Bullivant.
“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 garner media attention. With this in mind, I’d like to request that the privacy of the family involved be respected during this difficult time. It’s difficult to imagine what they’re going through right now.
“We will provide additional updates as soon as we are able.”
If you have any information about this incident that you believe could assist our investigation, please call 101 and reference number 20230131-1546.
You can also file a report online or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
