Investigation continues into dog attack

Police are continuing an investigation into a dog attack in Merseyside, which killed a five-year-old girl.

Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pitbull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1.

Ellie's grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, was also injured during the attack, which took place around 4:30am on Monday morning.

Mrs Simpson had managed to separate the dog from Ellie and put it into a secure area at the side of the house by the time police arrived. However, Ellie died at the scene. Post-mortem results revealed that she suffered severe head and neck injuries.

Mrs Simpson suffered damage to tendons in her arms and severe damage to her thumb and elbow. She underwent surgery in hospital and is in a stable condition.

The dog, which is understood to belong to Ellie's uncle, who also lives at the same address, was destroyed at the scene after it was determined that it could not be safely handled, controlled or removed.

According to reports, St Helens Council had warned the dog's owner about its behaviour last June.

It was also reported that police had received complaints about the dog.

On Tuesday, Ellie's family released a statement which described her as a "little angel" who was always "full of life and always running around".

Forensic examinations are continuing at the scene and the dog is also being examined as part of the investigation and in a bid to determine if the dog is a pure-breed pitbull.

Under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, owners of pure-breed pitbull terriers can be prosecuted for attacks made by their dogs.

Commenting on the incident, Superintendent Jon Ward from Merseyside Police, said: "Ellie's family have been left extremely traumatised by her death. It is such a tragic incident and our thoughts and sympathies are with them as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened."

(KMcA)