'Baby girl' dies in Redcar 'dog attack' as woman heard screaming - 'devastating'
The child who died in a suspected dog attack was a baby girl, it has been claimed. Cleveland Police officers were called shortly after 1.30pm to an address in Dormanstown, Redcar, on April 9 over reports of concern for a child. Upon their arrival at Hardale Grove, the child had sadly died, police said.The child, the force added, "is believed to have died as a result of a dog bite". Armed officers attended the scene, and one dog was destroyed on the street while another dog at the property was recovered by police, the force also stated. Hours after the incident, residents have claimed the child was a girl, reportedly just a few months old. Police haven't yet released details about the age or gender of the child.Cleveland Police have also not disclosed the breed of the dogs.Residents in the area have expressed their sadness at the loss of life. One, who didn't see the incident unfold but said to have heard the sirens and seen the flashing lights, told TeesideLive: "It’s absolutely devastating."Another resident claimed to have heard a woman screaming at the time of the incident.The resident added: "That poor baby, she had no life. It’s absolutely horrendous."District Commander for Redcar and Cleveland, Emily Harrison, said yesterday that an investigation has been launched into the child's death.She said: "Understandably this is a distressing and tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child’s family."There is a scene in place at the address while an investigation into the child’s death begins. I would encourage anyone who has concerns or information to please speak to an officer."The force has asked anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or by visiting the website quoting reference number 066204. Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
