Tragic Death of Three-Month-Old Baby in Redcar Dog Attack
A three-month-old baby girl, mauled to death by a suspected 'pocket bully-type' dog in Redcar, North Yorkshire, has been formally named for the first time during an inquest hearing. Maggie May Ann Moody tragically lost her life inside a house on Hardale Drive on April 9, just one day before she would have celebrated her three-month milestone. The provisional cause of death was recorded as a head injury, according to Teesside area coroner Paul Appleton.
Emergency Response and Police Action
At 1.33pm on April 9, 2026, Cleveland Police received a 999 call from ambulance paramedics requesting assistance at an incident in Hardale Drive. The ambulance service reported they were responding to a child not breathing after an attack by a dog. Over the telephone, instructions were provided on performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency services arrived. Upon arrival, the child was pronounced dead at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital, with her body identified two days later by her grandmother, Michelle Scott.
Armed police officers attended the scene, where one dog was shot dead on the street and another similar animal was seized from the semi-detached property. Residents described the dogs as 'pocket bullies'—a smaller variant from the same family as American Bullys and XL Bullys. Police have not publicly confirmed the breeds but stated they were not illegal to own.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. A 31-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing death. A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing death. Additionally, a 45-year-old man was arrested earlier on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death. All three have been bailed pending further police enquiries.
During the inquest at Middlesbrough Town Hall, Coroner Paul Appleton adjourned the proceedings to a future date, pending the progress of police investigations. He directed Cleveland Police to provide updates on their enquiries and any potential criminal proceedings. No family members were present at the brief two-minute hearing.
Witness Accounts and Community Impact
Locals revealed that Maggie was being looked after by a friend and was just visiting the street when the attack occurred. While two dogs were involved, it remains unclear which one was responsible for the fatal mauling. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as police urged people to seek safety. Scarlett Calvert recounted, 'I was on the path behind the police tape when one of the dogs escaped. Police said to everyone just get in anyone's cars, houses or gardens.' She added that after hearing a gunshot, she learned one dog had been captured and another shot dead.
Another neighbour who witnessed the dog being shot said, 'Earlier in the day, my friend had told me that a baby girl had been attacked. I had seen a brindle looking bully type dog running around Hardale... Two hours later I came home to find the road was cordoned off and witnessed the grey and white dog get shot.' She noted the distress of the situation but acknowledged the necessity of the action.
A resident from the street shared, 'One of the dogs tried to attack a neighbour but she jumped in her car. She heard someone screaming, and she tried to help, but the dog went for her, so she had to jump back in the car.' Expressing shock, they added, 'It's awful, absolutely awful. I don't know exactly what happened, but I would never leave a baby alone with a dog. It's absolutely tragic.'
Official Statements and Background
Cleveland Police described the incident as a 'tragic and distressing' event. In a statement, the force said, 'Shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday, April 9, police were called to Hardale Grove following concerns for a child. Upon arriving at the property, the child had sadly died. The child is believed to have died as a result of a dog bite.' The North East Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulance crews, one clinical team leader, and one duty officer to the scene, with one patient transported to hospital for further treatment.
Maggie May Ann Moody was born on January 10 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, just weeks before her untimely death. The inquest will reconvene as police continue their investigations into this heartbreaking case that has deeply affected the Redcar community.
