A 19-year-old woman was mauled to death by a dog described as a family pet in Leaden Roding, Essex, according to multiple reports. Essex Police were called to a property in Leaden Roding at 10:45 PM on Friday, April 10, and found the teenager with serious injuries. The 19-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency services' efforts, as reported by major media outlets. The dog believed responsible for the attack has been seized by police, multiple sources indicate.
A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, Essex Police said. The arrest underscores the legal implications of such incidents, with potential charges under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
In a separate tragedy, a three-month-old baby girl died as a result of a dog bite in Teesside. Cleveland Police were called to Hardale Grove in Dormanstown, Redcar, shortly after 1:30 PM on Thursday, April 9, following concerns for a child. Upon arrival, police found the child had sadly died.
This is a distressing and tragic incident, and thoughts are with the child's family.
Armed police attended the scene and one dog was destroyed on the street while another dog at the property was recovered by police, Cleveland Police confirmed. Police captured one dog but the other escaped initially, and officers told residents to stay indoors, according to a neighbor. A shot was fired during the incident, according to a neighbor.
Witnesses described the dogs as grey and white pocket bully types, possibly pit bull or Staffordshire bull terrier crosses. One witness said the mauling took place inside a property, and one of the dogs went for a neighbor who tried to help, according to a resident.
The North East Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulance crews, one clinical team leader, and one duty officer to the incident in Redcar, a spokesperson said. North East Ambulance Service was called to an incident at a private address in Redcar on Thursday, April 9, shortly before 1:30 PM, according to the spokesperson. One patient was transported to hospital for further treatment, the spokesperson added.
I encourage anyone with concerns or information to speak to an officer.
A woman, aged 31, also suffered an injury as a result of a dog bite and received treatment at hospital, Cleveland Police reported. Crime scene investigators were called in. There is a scene in place at the address while an investigation into the child's death begins.
Neither of the dogs involved were assessed by a specialist officer as a prohibited type of dog, Cleveland Police said. The 45-year-old man has been released on conditional bail following questioning, multiple reports indicate.
The specific breed or breeds of the dogs involved in the Teesside attack remain unknown, as initial assessments did not classify them as prohibited types. The exact circumstances leading to the dog attacks in both incidents are still under investigation, with police piecing together witness accounts and evidence.
What charges, if any, will be filed against the arrested individuals is yet to be determined, as police continue their inquiries into both cases. Safety measures or warnings in place prior to these attacks are unclear, raising questions about preventive steps and public awareness.
According to Emily Harrison, District Commander for Redcar and Cleveland, this is a distressing and tragic incident, and thoughts are with the child's family. She added that she encourages anyone with concerns or information to speak to an officer.