Man arrested after three-month-old baby girl dies from dog bite

A 45-year-old man has been arrested after a baby girl died as a result of a dog bite.

Cleveland Police said the three-month-old died in the Dormanstown area of Redcar on Thursday.

Two dogs destroyed following the incident, which also left a woman with an arm injury, were not a prohibited breed, the force said.

The arrested man was detained on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, and was later bailed pending further inquiries.

The force said police were called to reports of concern for a child at a property on Hardale Grove shortly after 1.30pm.

A spokesman said armed officers destroyed one dog on the street.

Another dog located at the property was recovered but has since been destroyed.

The spokesman said: “Both dogs were assessed by a specialist officer, and they have been deemed not to be a prohibited type of dog.

“An investigation into the girl’s death is ongoing and, at this stage, officers are treating it as a result of a dog bite.

“A woman, aged 31, suffered an injury to her arm as a result of the dog bite and received treatment at hospital.”

Chief Superintendent Rachel Stockdale said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the child’s family following this tragic and distressing incident.

“I want to take this opportunity to request that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.

“There will continue to be a scene in place at the property alongside a visible policing presence as the investigation is ongoing.

“I encourage anyone who has concerns to please speak to an officer.

“We are also appealing to anyone with information, mobile or doorbell and dash cam footage to get in touch.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said three ambulance crews, one clinical team leader and one duty officer were dispatched to the incident.