A three-month-old girl has been confirmed by police as the child who tragically died in a horror dog attack in Dormanstown, Redcar, as a 45-year-old man had been arrest
Cleveland Police have now confirmed a three-month-old girl sadly died at the home on Dormanstown, Redcar, following a horror dog attack. Local residents had already spoken out this morning that the victim was a “baby girl” after a woman was heard shouting “help the baby”.
Armed officers arrived shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday (April 9) at Hardale Grove and “destroyed” a dog on the street as locals reported hearing a shot. Police also confirmed the other dog located at the property was recovered and has since been destroyed.
Both dogs were assessed by a specialist officer, and they have been deemed not to be a prohibited type of dog. Teeside Live reported earlier that the dogs were believed to be pocket bully types.
Police say an investigation into the girl’s death is ongoing and at this stage officers are treating it as a result of a dog bite. A second victim, a 31-year-old woman suffered an injury to her arm as a result of the dog bite and received treatment at hospital.
A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. Following questioning, he has since been released on conditional bail, police said in a statement.
One resident heard a woman screaming “get the baby” or “help the baby”. She added: “That poor baby, she had no life. It’s absolutely horrendous. I closed the blinds as I was looking after my great-granddaughter. I didn’t want her seeing any of that.”
A female neighbour reportedly tried to come help but the dog reportedly “went for her”. A resident, who watched the brave neighbour, said: “It’s shook everyone up. I went to bed in tears last night and took the kids to bed with me. It’s devastating.”
Chief Superintendent Rachel Stockdale, Head of Local Policing at Cleveland Police, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the child’s family following this tragic and distressing incident. I want to take this opportunity to request that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.
“There will continue to be a scene in place at the property alongside a visible policing presence as the investigation is ongoing.
“I encourage anyone who has concerns to please speak to an officer. We are also appealing to anyone with information, mobile or doorbell and dash cam footage to get in touch.”
Cleveland police have asked anyone with information to contact them on 101 or by visiting the website quoting reference number 066204.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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