Six-month-old baby dies in dog attack

A six-month-old baby girl has died after being attacked by a dog in a home in the UK.

A relative who was looking after the baby also suffered bite wounds as she tried to wrestle the animal off.

Police and paramedics were called to the address in Daventry, Northamptonshire, at 10.30pm last night, where they tried to resuscitate the infant.

The six-month-old was taken to Northampton General Hospital where she was confirmed dead, Northamptonshire Police said.

The dog was destroyed at the scene.

Northamptonshire Police said they ``cannot confirm the breed of dog'' at this stage.

But experts will carry out tests early next week to determine exactly what kind of dog it was.

Detective Sergeant Gary Baker, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a deeply distressing and tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family who have been left devastated by the events of last night.

“Incidents such as these are extremely rare in this country, but that will be of little comfort to the relatives of this tragically young victim.

“The family have requested that they be left to grieve at this difficult time.”

Phil Morris, spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: ``We received an emergency call from the Northamptonshire Police on Saturday night at 10:31pm reporting that a baby girl had been attacked by a dog at an address in Daventry.

“We responded by dispatching three clinicians in fast response cars, a double crewed ambulance and a doctor. Crews provided emergency treatment to the baby who was then taken to the Northampton General Hospital.

“Although our staff did everything possible, tragically, the baby did not survive her injuries.

“This was a very distressing incident and we offer our deepest sympathies to the family. Our crews were understandably saddened by their experiences and we are providing support to all colleagues who responded.”