Girl, 4, killed in dog attack was mauled by family's own pet shot dead at scene

01 February 2023 , 16:29

408     0

Alice Stones, four, was mauled by a family dog, police have confirmed

The four-year-old girl killed in a dog attack in Milton Keynes was mauled by her family's own pet, police have revealed today.

The victim has not yet been formally identified but has been named in reports as Alice Stones.

Thames Valley Police said officers were called to a house in Broadlands, Netherfield, Milton Keynes, by the ambulance service just after 5pm on Tuesday.

In an update on Wednesday, Superintendent Marc Tarbit said: “The child’s family are being supported by specially-trained officers and we’d ask that their privacy is respected.

“An investigation is currently under way to fully understand the circumstances but we currently believe that this was a tragic, isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.

Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams

Forensic officers at the scene on Broadlands (PA)

“Accordingly, no arrests have been made at this time.

“I can confirm that the dog was a family pet and was put down by police on the scene yesterday evening.”

Officers are working to establish the breed of the dog.

The force has asked people speculating on websites and social media, to stop as details were upsetting Alice's family.

The dog was shot dead at the scene (PA)

Earlier today police said they were not formally releasing the victim's name because the family did not want it published.

A statement said: "Thames Valley Police is continuing to investigate the death of a four-year-old girl following a dog attack in Milton Keynes.

"Officers were called to the back garden of a property in Broadlands, Netherfield just after 5pm yesterday (31/1). It was reported that a dog had attacked a child.

"Sadly, it was confirmed that the girl died at the property.

"Formal identification is yet to take place and the girl's family has stated they do not wish to publicly name her at this time. Her family are being supported by specially trained officers."

Ryan Merrifield