19/04/2010

Toddler Mauled To Death By Dog

A post-mortem is due to be carried out on an 18-month-old girl mauled to death by a family dog.

The girl's uncle has been arrested and questioned by police about the attack in the kitchen of the girl's home in Broadfield, Crawley, West Sussex.

The toddler suffered severe facial injuries when she was attacked by the mastiff dog at the house at around midday on Sunday.

Sussex Police said the girl was in the kitchen of the property with her three-year-old sister, mother and grandmother when the incident happened.

The 32-year-old uncle was not at the address at the time but was arrested by police when he arrived shortly afterwards.

Police were called to the scene after receiving reports that the girl had suffered head injuries and was unconscious.

She was rushed to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, Surrey, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles of Sussex Police said: "This is a truly appalling incident which has led to the death of a young 18-month-old child."

As part of the inquiry officers are in the process of identifying the breed of the dog which is believed to be a type of mastiff.

A police spokesman said that the arrested man remains in custody while he is questioned by officers and that the dog is being securely held.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said that he believed the man involved owned two dogs and was often seen walking them in the area.

He said: "The bloke himself is absolutely spot on, the dogs are well looked after, I don't know what type they are, all I know is that they are big.

"I am surprised this is what has happened, my little one strokes his dogs."

(LB/GK)












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