Malton girl, 10, mauled to death by pet XL Bully dog pictured as 'lovely little lass'

Schoolgirl Savannah Bentham, 10, was killed when her family dog, an American Bully XL, attacked her at her family home in Malton, Yorkshire, at the weekend

A "wonderful" schoolgirl mauled to death by her family’s pet dog has been pictured for the first time.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed on Sunday a ten-year-old young girl died following a dog attack incident in Malton, Yorkshire, on Friday. Yesterday, the young victim was identified as Savannah Bentham and she has now been pictured for the first time.

The dog involved in the attack, an American Bully XL, will be destroyed. Her family said in a statement: "We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah.

"We can’t believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much. We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss. We ask that our family’s privacy is respected while we grieve for Savannah.”

North Yorkshire Police were called to the incident by Yorkshire Ambulance Service at around 4.15pm on Friday. The force said her family are being supported by specially trained officers.

A spokesman said: "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 Savannah and the dog having a close, loving relationship. Due to the circumstances of the incident, the dog will be destroyed."