Baby girl mauled to death

A baby girl has died after being attacked by a relative’s dog in Northamptonshire.

Paramedics arrived at the house around 10.30pm on Friday after receiving reports of the attack but were unsuccessful in their attempt to resuscitate her. She was taken to Northampton General Hospital where she was confirmed dead.

The six-month-old girl was believed to have been in the care of a relative when the incident happened and the relative was also injured in the attack.

Reports have not said what breed the dog was, which was destroyed at the scene, but tests will be carried out next week to determine the variety.

Detective Sergeant Gary Baker, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a deeply distressing and tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family who have been left devastated by the events of last night.

“Incidents such as these are extremely rare in this country, but that will be of little comfort to the relatives of this tragically young victim.

A relative at the address in Daventry was injured in the attack, sustaining multiple bite wounds as she attempted to intervene to save the little girl.