Girl 10 had close and loving relationship with dog before fatal attack which has been described as out of character

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Sunday, 3rd November 2024, at 20:30hrs

The breed of the dog has not yet been confirmed by police who say it will now be destroyed following this tragic incident

An investigation into the death of a girl aged 10 in North Yorkshire following a dog attack continues.

Detectives investigating the tragic incident have so far said that the attack was out of character for the dog as the relationship between the two was a close and loveable one.

Emergency services were called to an address in the Malton area on Friday afternoon following the attack but despite the best efforts of emergency services the girl who has not been named at this stage sadly died from serious injuries.

The dog was later seized and will now be destroyed confirmed the force.

In a statement released today, North Yorkshire Police said:

“North Yorkshire Police is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl in the Malton area.

She suffered serious injuries after being bitten by the family’s dog while at home at around 4.15pm on Friday (1 November 2024).

Despite the efforts of medical professionals and a member of the public who came to the family’s aid, the girl sadly died at the scene.

Officers are conducting detailed enquiries covering all aspects of the incident.

One of the lines of enquiry relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl.

All indications so far suggest it was out-of-character, with the girl and dog having a close, loving relationship.

Due to the circumstances of the incident, the dog will be destroyed.

A post-mortem examination of the girl is taking place this (Sunday 3 November 2024) evening.

We are not yet in a position to name the girl at this time. She will be formally identified in due course.

Further updates will be posted on the force website and social media channels.

In the meantime, we again urge people not to speculate about the incident and to respect the family’s wish for privacy to grieve in peace.

Our officers are continuing to support the family while enquiries continue.”