Police to determine breed of dog that killed six-month-old baby

Tests will begin today to identify the breed of a dog that fatally attacked a baby girl in England.

Police said the family of the six-month-old child have been left ”devastated” after the attack in Daventry, Northamptonshire, on Friday night, adding that they are ”still not in a position” to name the baby.

Officers and paramedics were called to the address at 10.30pm where they tried to resuscitate the infant.

She was taken to Northampton General Hospital where she was confirmed dead, Northamptonshire Police said.

The dog was destroyed at the scene, and police said it will be subject to a forensic post-mortem examination at the Royal Veterinary College today.

In a statement, they added: ”It will also be examined by dog legislation officers, including officers from Northamptonshire Police and a national dog legislation officer in order to identify the breed.

”DNA can also be taken from the animal to help determine the breed.“

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.“

Daventry Conservative MP Chris Heaton-Harris said the officers who went to the scene in Morning Star Road were left traumatised at the ”horrific incident” they witnessed.

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