A three-month-old baby girl has died following a suspected dog attack in Redcar, North Yorkshire. Cleveland Police were called to a house in the Dormanstown area shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday after receiving a report of concern for the child's welfare. The baby is believed to have died as a result of a dog bite.
A 31-year-old woman was treated in hospital for an arm injury sustained from a dog bite. Armed police destroyed one dog that had gone onto the street, and a second dog recovered by police has also been destroyed. A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. He has since been released on conditional bail.
Police have confirmed that the dogs were assessed by a specialist officer and deemed not to be a prohibited type. Neighbours told Teesside Live that the dogs were pocket bully-type dogs, possibly crossbreeds. One neighbour described seeing a dog “running up and down the street” after the attack.
Chief Superintendent Rachel Stockdale, head of local policing at Cleveland Police, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the child’s family following this tragic and distressing incident. I want to take this opportunity to request that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.” She added that a scene remains in place at the property and there will be a visible policing presence as the investigation continues.
The North East Ambulance Service confirmed that three ambulance crews, one clinical team leader, and one duty officer were dispatched to the scene. Police are appealing for anyone with information, mobile phone footage, doorbell or dashcam footage to come forward.
