Inquest into death of baby mauled by dog

An inquest will take place in England today into the death of 13-month-old Archie-Lee Hirst who was mauled to death by his grandparents' rottweiler dog.

Archie-Lee was spending Christmas at his grandparents' house in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, when the dog, which was described by police as weighing "in the region of seven to 10 stone", launched the unexpected attack in December last year.

At the time, Archie-Lee's 16-year-old aunt was at home baby-sitting him and her two younger sisters, aged six and seven.

He was being carried to the back door by the seven-year-old when the dog, which was said to be used to children, snatched the child out of her arms.

His aunt failed to save him from the female rottweiler's jaws, despite striking and kicking the dog, and Archie-Lee died later in hospital from multiple injuries.

The two-and-a-half-year-old rottweiler was later killed by police.

At Archie-Lee's funeral in January mourners released dozens of pale blue balloons in tribute to the youngster.

The mourners were led by his young parents, Rebecca Hirst, then 18, and Damian Williamson, 20.

Also in January, West Yorkshire Police said no charges would be brought over the death as there was insufficient evidence to secure a criminal conviction.

The inquest is due to be heard at Wakefield Coroner's Court at 11am.