Tragic Dog Attack Claims Life of Three-Month-Old Baby in North Yorkshire
A community in Dormanstown, North Yorkshire, has been left heartbroken and devastated following the death of a three-month-old baby girl in a suspected dog attack. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, prompting a swift response from emergency services who arrived at the scene to find the infant had sadly passed away.
Horrified Witness Screams 'Get the Baby' During Chaotic Scene
One horrified resident was heard screaming on the street, uttering the chilling words 'get the baby' or 'help the baby' as the situation unfolded. Neighbours described the death as 'absolutely devastating' and 'horrendous', with one witness expressing deep sorrow for the victim.
'I closed the blinds as I was looking after my great-granddaughter. I didn’t want her seeing any of that,' the witness said, according to reports from TeessideLive. 'That poor baby, she had no life. It’s absolutely horrendous.'
Armed Police Response and Dog Destruction
Armed officers were deployed to the scene, with witnesses reporting seeing them on the roof of a police vehicle during the incident. In the ensuing chaos, one of the dogs involved was shot dead by authorities, while another was captured and later destroyed. Police have stated that both dogs were assessed by a specialist officer and deemed not to be a prohibited type, with neighbours describing them as 'pocket bully' breeds.
Resident Scarlett Calvert, who was returning home with her one-year-old son asleep in his pram, recounted the terrifying moments. 'I was on the path behind the police tape when one of the dogs escaped,' she said. 'I was getting called by my sisters, my dad, literally everyone. Police said to everyone just get in anyone's cars, houses or gardens.'
She added, 'Two police officers came up to me and I got put in someone's garden. The next thing I heard was a gunshot. They had already captured one of the dogs and put it in the van but then the other dog got out through a gap in the fence.'
Ongoing Police Investigation and Arrest
Cleveland Police are treating the baby's death as a result of a dog bite, with an investigation currently ongoing. 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. Following questioning, he has been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.
The police have appealed to the public for information, asking anyone with details about the incident to contact them on 101 or via their website, quoting reference number 066204. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the severe consequences of dangerous dog incidents and raising questions about animal control and public safety measures in residential areas.
