Police issue major update after girl, 10, killed in horror dog attack at home

Police said medical professionals and a member of the public attended the scene in an effort to help the girl, while the dog was secured inside a car in Malton

Police have issued a major update after a 10-year-old girl died in a tragic dog attack at home.

The child passed away after suffering serious injuries when she was bitten by her family's dog in Malton, North Yorkshire, on November 1. Police said medical professionals and a member of the public attended the scene in an effort to help the girl, while the dog was secured inside a car.

The animal was shut away before emergency services arrived on scene and was later seized by officers who transported it to secure kennels, where it remains, North Yorkshire Police said. Today, the police added that the dog will be destroyed due to the circumstances of the incident.

A spokesman added: "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."

A post-mortem examination of the girl is set to take place this evening.

Following the attack, which happened at around 4.15pm, the force said: "The dog is being assessed as part of the investigation. Our thoughts remain with the girl’s family and friends at this very distressing time.

"Officers are supporting the family while enquiries continue. We also urge people not to speculate about the incident, respect the family’s privacy and allow them to grieve in peace. We will provide more information when we are able to."

At least 23 people have been killed by dogs in the UK in the last three years, with Downing Street urging Brits to report their neighbours who were living with unregistered breeds. In September of this year, two young children were rushed to hospital after being mauled by dogs in separate attacks in South Yorkshire.

A four-year-old girl was attacked by dogs while playing in a local park in Sheffield with her mum on September 4. She suffered injuries to her body and was taken to hospital with her condition not life threatening, while the dogs seized and sent to police kennels.

Just two days later on September 6, a two-year-old boy was also bitten while he was sitting on his mother's knee by a neighbour's dog. The youngster was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening while the dog was put down.

This is a breaking news story.