Family devastated after dog kills 'little angel'

The family of a five-year-old girl mauled to death by a dog paid a moving tribute to her today.

Ellie Lawrenson was staying at her grandmother’s house in St Helens, Merseyside, when she was attacked by the pit bull terrier-style dog in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

She died at the scene of severe head and neck injuries. Her grandmother, 46-year-old Jackie Simpson, needed emergency surgery for arm injuries.

The animal, a one-year-old male called Reuben, belonged to Ellie’s uncle, who lived at the same house. He was named locally as Kiel Simpson.

The dog was shot dead at the scene by police marksmen. A post-mortem examination was due to take place today to determine if the animal was a pure-breed pit bull terrier.

If so, its owner could face charges under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.

The family, including Ellie’s uncle, were today said to be “together, comforting each other“, according to Merseyside Police.

In a family statement released through police, Ellie’s relatives said they were “absolutely devastated” at the loss of their “little angel“.

They said: “Ellie was always happy and smiling. She was a little angel, full of life and always running around.

“She loved her music and was a proper little girl, performing her routines and singing along (to) Beyoncé and the X Factor.

“She was always sociable, playing with other children and chatting to neighbours.

“We had a great Christmas together, with her little brother, Josh, who Ellie doted on and thought she was a second mother to.

“She was an active little girl. She loved horse-riding and was looking forward to going ice-skating for the first time in the new year.

“We are absolutely devastated and can’t believe she is gone.”

The statement said Ellie was born in St Helens and her family moved to nearby Warrington, Cheshire, shortly afterwards.

She was in the reception class of Tower College, a private school in Rainhill, where teachers described her as a “happy little girl“.

Her school report read: “Ellie is a happy little girl, who mixes well with other children. She is a popular member of her class.”

St Helens Borough Council today confirmed that two warning letters were sent to the dog’s owner following minor incidents last year.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm there has been a reported incident regarding the dog by a neighbour in May 2006 following a dog attack. Neither dog received veterinary treatment as a result of the incident.

“There was a further reported incident from a neighbour in July regarding a complaint about the dog barking.

“On both occasions letters were sent to the owner about control issues.

“The police investigation is continuing and detectives are now awaiting the results of post-mortem examinations on the dog.”