Tributes paid to ‘beautiful’ girl mauled to death at home

Tributes paid to ‘beautiful’ girl mauled to death at home.  Bella-Rae Birch died in hospital from her injuries after being mauled by her family’s pet dog at home. The family had only had the dog for one week before it mauled the girl to death in Merseyside’s Saint Helens.

The shocking attack happened on Monday, March 21. The 17-month-old girl was attacked when the dog became out of control. An investigation has been launched into the incident and the dog has been destroyed by police.

According to The Sun, one neighbour commented: “We pulled up from school and heard screaming. I just ran over to try to help and started CPR until the paramedics took over.”

Another neighbour revealed how she had seen an ambulance and police cars at the family home. She stated: “I saw them bring the dog out.

“I couldn’t tell what breed it was but from the back it looked like a Staffordshire bull terrier or pitbull.

“She was such a beautiful little girl, toddling about.

“I’d see the family in passing, just to say hello, and they were always very pleasant.”

Merseyside Police Superintendent Steve Brizell paid tribute to the young girl on Tuesday, March 22. He said: “Bella-Rae has lost her life in the most unimaginably terrible circumstances and our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and the wider community at this devastating time.

“Our specialist family liaison officers are providing the family of Bella- Rae with support, and officers will remain in the area in the coming days to provide further reassurance and support for the wider community.

“At this stage we understand the family dog they bought just a week earlier has attacked Bella-Rae inside the family home.

“Bella-Rae was taken by ambulance to hospital by paramedics but despite the best efforts of police officers at the scene and the paramedics and doctors, sadly Bella-Rae died as a result of her injuries yesterday afternoon.

“It’s left the family and the community grieving and in complete shock.”

Superintendent Brizell added: “During the incident, the dog was handed over to police at the address and has been humanely destroyed.

“Detailed investigations are continuing into this tragic event, forensic examines to determine the dog’s breed are ongoing and we are working to identify the previous owners of the dog so we can establish its history.

“We want to continue to support the family and the local community, and officers will remain at the scene on Bidston Avenue during the day today.”

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