Four-year-old killed in dog attack

A four-year-old boy has died after being attacked by a dog in the UK, police said today.

The incident happened at a house in Wavertree, Liverpool, in the early hours.

The child suffered serious injuries and died at the scene, Merseyside Police said.

A 63-year-old woman, who is believed to have been injured as she separated the dog from the child, was taken to hospital for treatment.

Dog handlers and armed response officers attended the house at 12.24am.

Following a safety assessment the animal was destroyed.

Police are now trying to identify the type of dog involved.

Chief Superintendent Steve Ashley said: “This is a tragic incident and a full and thorough investigation will be carried out into the circumstances surrounding this young boy’s death."