Milton Keynes: ‘Happy little girl’, 4, killed in dog attackon February 1, 2023 at 11:47 am

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The child was attacked in the back garden of a house in Milton Keynes, police say.

Netherfield house

A four-year-old girl has died in a dog attack in Milton Keynes, police said.

Officers were called by the ambulance service just after 17:00 GMT on Tuesday to reports a dog had attacked a child in the back garden of a property in Broadlands in the Netherfield area of the Buckinghamshire city.

Shortly afterwards, it was confirmed a child had died at the scene.

No arrests have been made, and the dog has been humanely destroyed. Police have called it a “tragic incident”.

Netherfield house

“I understand how much of an impact this will have on the community and on the wider public, and people can expect to see a large police presence in the area this evening and beyond while our investigation continues,” Supt Matt Bullivant, of Thames Valley Police, said on Tuesday.

“I would like to reassure people that there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the wider public.

“Anyone with concerns should feel free to approach our officers and ask questions, but I urge people not to speculate about the circumstances, especially on social media platforms.”

The force said no-one else was hurt in the incident and that the child’s family was being supported by officers.

Police tape outside a house where a child died in a dog attack in Milton Keynes

Image source, South Beds News Agency

Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray wrote on Twitter: “Terrible news in Milton Keynes this evening, a four-year-old girl has been killed after a dog attack.

“Please respect the family privacy at this incredibly tragic time.”

Grand Union Vineyard Church sign

A neighbour told BBC Three Counties that the little girl who died was friends with his four-year-old son.

“I was in tears when I saw the news, I was shocked to hear the little one was a victim,” he said.

“I didn’t tell my boy what’s going on, I didn’t want him to get upset hearing that news.

“It’s close to my door. It’s very sad.”

‘Strong community’

Chris Morley, senior pastor at the nearby Grand Union Vineyard church, said it would be open all day to allow locals time for “quiet reflection”.

“Our hearts are really for the family, but we realise a tragedy like this cuts to the heart of the community here in Netherfield,” he said.

“It’s just being available to people, if people need to talk, and to be around.

“The Netherfield community, and I’ve seen it over the years I’ve been here, whether it was the flood of 2018 or the stabbing of that young lad last year, always seems to draw together.

“It’s a very strong community, the way people respond to crises.”

A vigil would take place at 19:00 GMT, he said.

Thames Valley Police has urged anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference number 20230131-1546, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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