A three-month-old girl died as a result of a dog bite in Teesside, with the incident occurring on Thursday, April 9, shortly after 1:30 pm. Police were called to Hardale Drive in Dormanstown, Redcar, and upon arrival, officers found the child had died. According to Cleveland Police, officers were alerted following concerns for a child. This tragic event has shocked the local community and triggered a complex police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant's death.
Armed police attended the scene as part of the response, with one dog destroyed on the street. Another dog was recovered by police. A shot was fired by police during the operation. These actions were taken to secure the area and prevent further harm, and residents were told to stay indoors as a safety precaution.
A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. The man has been released on conditional bail. This legal development allows the investigation to proceed while the suspect is monitored under court-imposed restrictions.
In addition to the infant's death, a woman, aged 31, suffered an injury from a dog bite and received hospital treatment. One patient was transported to hospital for further treatment. Her condition and the extent of her injuries have not been detailed by authorities.
This is a distressing and tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child's family.
The North East Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulance crews and other personnel to the incident. Crime scene investigators were called in to assist with evidence collection and analysis at the location. This multi-agency response involved medical teams, police units, and forensic experts working together to manage the aftermath.
Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with one witness stating that the mauling took place inside a property. A resident reported that one of the dogs went for a neighbour who tried to help. Another resident recalled hearing a woman screaming phrases indicating desperation to help the baby. These testimonies provide glimpses into the terrifying moments leading up to and during the attack.
Police containment measures included capturing one dog, but a resident said the other escaped initially, prompting warnings for residents to stay indoors. The community impact has been significant, with local residents expressing shock and concern over the violent nature of the incident.
Conflicting information exists about the dog breeds and their legal status, with witnesses describing one dog as a grey and white pocket bully type. A neighbour said the dogs may have been cross breeds, possibly pit bull or staffy cross. However, multiple reports indicate that the dogs were not assessed as prohibited types. This disagreement highlights the challenges in breed identification.
We would encourage anyone with concerns or information to speak to an officer.
Police have asked anyone with information to contact them, quoting reference number 066204. District Commander Emily Harrison confirmed there is a scene in place at the address while an investigation into the child's death begins. This appeal for public assistance is common in such cases to gather additional evidence or witness statements.
In initial statements, Cleveland Police said officers were alerted following concerns for a child. District Commander Emily Harrison emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that it is a distressing and tragic incident and that thoughts are with the child's family. She added that anyone with concerns or information should speak to an officer. Chief Superintendent Rachel Stockdale also commented, asking that the family be given privacy and encouraging anyone with information to contact police.
Key unknowns persist, including what specific breed(s) were the dogs involved in the attack and what exactly happened inside the property leading to the child's death. The relationship between the arrested man and the child or the property has not been disclosed, nor have the reasons for his release on conditional bail or the conditions attached to it. Additionally, the exact sequence of events from the dog bite to police intervention remains unclear.
Further unknowns involve why the man was released on conditional bail and what the conditions are. The interior details of the property and the investigation's focus on specific factors, such as the dogs' training or the environment, have not been shared by authorities. As the inquiry progresses, these aspects may become clearer.
A discrepancy exists regarding the location of the incident, with some sources citing Hardale Grove in Dormanstown, Redcar, while others report Hardale Drive. Police have not clarified this point publicly, but it may be resolved as official reports are finalized.