Mum screamed 'my baby is dead' after daughter, 10, killed in horror XL Bully attack

A mother was heard screaming to her neighbours "my baby is dead, my baby is dead" following a tragic incident where her daughter was killed by an XL Bully dog. The ten year old girl, known as Savannah, was found dead after being attacked by the family pet on Friday, November 1.

Savannah had recently shared with friends her excitement about the new addition, saying: "I have got a new pet - an XL Bully." Previously, she had cared for a bearded dragon lizard and was looking forward to taking care of a dog.

A neighbour expressed their sorrow, remarking: "It is just a horrible tragedy. She was such a sweet thing. I only know her because she would come in the park to play."

They added, "Everybody is totally shocked and upset about it. The family have not lived here long. I have only met her. I have never met her mum and dad."

The neighbour also recalled how Savannah would play on the swings in the park, describing her as "She would come on the park and play on the swings and I would pass the time of day with her. She was a lovely little girl - really chatty. It is just so sad," reports the Express.

The community at the holiday caravan park near Malton, North Yorks, was unaware of any issues until the girl's mother emerged from her home, which is situated on an adjacent field, in distress.

The family had been residing in a static caravan on private land since the summer. A local farmer shared with the Mail that the previously well-behaved dog was an XL bully, explaining: "The dog is an XL bully. It has been certified and is well looked after. It's a very big dog. I've seen it around the pub a few times, it doesn't bother anyone or other dogs and is well-behaved."

They went on to describe the tragic incident, saying: "The mother ran out from the static caravan screaming 'my baby's dead.' Some people from the caravan site went over to help. She was obviously really distraught. The police got here very fast, there were two helicopters, ambulances turned up and an armed response unit. Someone put the dog in a car apparently."

"He added: 'They are really nice people. The girl is a really polite girl who always says please and thank you. She was a lovely little lass who you would see riding her bike around.'".

A man at a nearby caravan stated to the Mail about the victim: "A really beautiful little girl and very intelligent for her age."

An official from the caravan site recounted their knowledge of the dog and the child: "We knew they had an XL bully dog. We only knew Savannah because her mum had asked if she could play in the park and we said 'Of course she can'."

Recalling interactions with the little girl, the official noted: "Savannah told us she had a new dog. It was not that long ago. We used to come onto the park and play with the other children."

Despite being on site daily, the official admitted never seeing the dog but expressed concern about previous incidents: "I have never seen or heard the dog and I am here every day. There have been a couple of incidents when people had seen the dog come as far as the yard gate without any muzzle or lead on and that was a bit scary."

"Savannah had said herself 'We have got a new pet'. Other children who played with Savannah in the yard said it was a family pet."

North Yorkshire Police were called to the incident at 4.15 pm on Friday, but the girl's injuries were fatal and she died at the scene. A family member managed to secure the dog inside a car before the emergency services arrived. A member of the public came to assist the family, and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended, subsequently calling the police.

The dog, believed to be an XL Bully, was later seized by officers and taken to secure kennels, where it remains. Its breed is currently being assessed as part of the ongoing investigation.

North Yorkshire Police stated: "Our thoughts remain with the girl's family and friends at this very distressing time. Officers are supporting the family while inquiries 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."

The child's death is the latest in a series of fatal dog attacks in England and Wales this year. Over the past 10 months, at least seven deaths have been reported of children and adults bitten or injured by dogs. In February, it became a criminal offence to own an XL bully without a certificate.

The Office for National Statistics reports that there were 30 deaths caused by dog attacks in 2023, more than double the total deaths recorded in 2022.