CHILLING photos show the house of horrors where a three-year-old boy was mauled to death by a dog yesterday.
The youngster was killed in the “devastating” attack at a property in Milnrow, near Rochdale, where police have previously been called over the hounds.
9
9
9
A red and white sign warning “dogs are loose” hangs on an old rusty fence which guards what appears to be a chewed kennel.
Forensic tents have also been put up in the garden of the house on Carr Lane where the animal struck.
Police and paramedics were called to the countryside address close to the M62 at around 1.15pm on Sunday.
The boy was taken by ambulance to hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead.
Enquiries into the circumstances continue, although the horror is being treated by police as a criminal investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage.
Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels, of Greater Manchester Police’s Public Protection and Serious Crime Division, said: “This is a tragic, devastating incident and our thoughts are with the family at this horrendous time.
“We are investigating the incident and previous incidents involving dogs at this address.
Most read in The Sun
“While our enquiries to find out what happened will be thorough and are very much in their infancy, we suspect that this little boy has sadly succumbed to injuries received as a result of a dog attack.
“I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned and this news will rock the local community.
“I can only assure everyone that we will work relentlessly to establish the full circumstances that led to this tragedy.
“While we retain an open mind, this is now being dealt with as a criminal investigation.”
Cops also warned there would be a “significant” police presence in the area while they carry out their investigation.
Do you know the family or the dog owners? Email [email protected]
Last year, officers seized two dogs and £50,000 of farm machinery from a property in the street.
There was concern for the welfare of the dogs, and both were taken into care by the RSPCA.
An investigation then began to determine where a number of puppies found at the farm came from.
It’s not known if the incidents are linked to this weekend’s tragedy.
Dog attacks have been increasing year-on-year, with reports of offences to police involving out-of-control dogs jumping by 50 per cent over four years to 14,478 incidents in 2019.
Animal welfare experts last month blamed a recent rise in deadly dog attacks on impulse purchases through lockdown.
Dr Sam Gaines, from the RSPCA, told The Sun that Britain’s list of banned dogs could be fuelling the spike, as owners assume that any other breed is safe.
SPIKE IN ATTACKS
She said: “We’ve seen an increase in dog ownership because of the pandemic.
“The RSPCA are really concerned about this. People found themselves in a situation where they wanted some companionship, wanted something for their children to look after.
“Whether that led to some impulse purchases, or impulse acquisitions for people without asking: ‘Do I have the time, do I have the resources and finances to make what is a very long-term commitment?’
“We are worried that some of the incidents could be related to that.
“Some of the increases in dog bites we’ve seen – they may well be as a result of that.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5413 quoting incident 1615 of 15/05/2022.
Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at gmp.police.uk.
Those who can’t report online should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
9
9
9
9
9
9
