Dog Purchased A Week Ago Killed A Little Child At Home

A 17-month-old child died at home after being bitten by a dog.

Merseyside Police said Bella-Rae Birch died in hospital after the incident in St Helens at around 15:50 GMT on Monday.

Her "extremely distraught" family had only purchased the dog a week before, according to officers.

The animal, which was slain by authorities, will be tested to see if it was an illegal breed, and police will try to track down its prior owners.

The attack took place at the family's home on Bidston Avenue in St Helens' Blackbrook neighborhood.

One of the child's neighbors, who is about to attend university to study paramedics, described the child's parents as "hysterical."

"We were driving home from school when we heard shouting. I simply hurried over to assist and began CPR till the paramedics arrived "she stated.

"I didn't notice the dog since I was focused on the baby."

Another neighbor who assisted with CPR noted, "The parents lavished attention on their children. Anything else would be too upsetting."

Joanne Matthews, a neighbor, claimed she spotted an ambulance outside the house, followed by roughly ten police vehicles.

"They brought the dog out, which I observed. I couldn't determine what breed it was, but it appeared to be a Staffordshire bull terrier or a pit bull from the back "she stated

"She's a wonderful young girl," Ms Matthews, 53, said of the toddler.

"I'd run into the family in passing and say hello, and they were always quite nice," she remarked.

Another neighbor, who did not want to be identified, claimed she arrived home during a police presence in the area.

"The mother was crying on the field in front of the house. She was giggling uncontrollably "she stated

"It's generally really calm and safe for kids here, but when you hear anything like this, it's very upsetting."