Fundraiser launched for family of 'little princess', 4, killed in pet dog attack
A fundraiser has been launched to help the family of a "little princess" who died after being attacked by a pet dog in her garden.
Locals gathered to mourn the loss of Alice Stones, with flowers and soft toy tributes piled up near the Milton Keynes home last night.
Thames Valley Police were called to the property by the ambulance service on Tuesday evening. The child died at the scene.
The force said no arrests have been made and that investigators are working to establish the breed of the dog, which one neighbour believed to be a pitbull-husky cross.
Devastated family and friends have now set up a GoFundMe to help towards the cost of Alice's funeral, and give the "most special and beautiful send off this little princess deserves".
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
Alice tragically died after being attacked by a pet dog in her garden
Friends and family paid tribute to their "little princess" (Enterprise News and Pictures)The fundraiser says: "Sadly, on the 31st January 2023, this world lost a beautiful little 4 year old girl to a tragic, awful accident.
"We are the close friends and family of this loving mother and daughter, we are seeking support in raising money to help towards cost of funeral and living in this desperate time of need.
"Anything that can be contributed will go towards supporting mum and family getting the help and support necessary In order to make this the most special and beautiful send off this little princess deserves.
"We greatly appreciate everyone's love and condolences, please help us in allowing this family the time to grieve during this heartbreaking tragedy.
A candlelit vigil held at Grand Union Vineyard Church last night (PA)"Thank you so much to everyone that can help in any way.
The page has raised over £1,000 of its £7,000 goal at the time of writing.
Around 100 people attended a vigil that had been organised at Grand Union Vineyard Church - across the road from the house - on Wednesday evening.
Prayers were said for the family as people gathered, holding candles, in the darkness in a green space at the rear of the place of worship.
Floral tributes and a teddy bear left outside the home (PA)There were moments of reflection as music was played over speakers, including Amazing Grace and Over The Rainbow.
Neighbour Rita Matthews, 36, said she would see the child while walking her own daughter to school and described the youngster as a "happy little girl, very happy".
Dog shot dead by police after mauling girl, 4, to death in horror attack
Among the floral tributes left to the youngster, one of them read: "Alice!! Fly high with the angels little one. The whole community will miss your smile. Our thoughts are with the whole family, especially her mum."
Donna Fuller, a ward councillor for Woughton Community Council, said the area has a "tight-knit community, predominantly families".
Forensic officers at the scene in Milton Keynes (PA)She said the vigil was to "enable the community to come together and draw strength from each other", adding: "It will send a strong message to the family that we are thinking of them."
She said there is "such a sense of shock" and it is an "awful situation".
Ms Fuller told gathered crowds: "This family will need the time and space to allow them to process this tragic event and I hope that we can do that and help them in the future.
"I would ask that we support each other.
"There is a feeling of deep sadness that we will feel as a community so I ask you to be neighbourly and I ask you to be supportive and most of all I ask you to be kind."
Police said there will be an increased presence of officers in the areaGiving an update earlier on Wednesday, Superintendent Marc Tarbit said that the child's family are being supported by specially trained officers.
"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," he said.
"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."
Police said there will be an increased presence of officers in the area with "reassurance patrols during early shifts and late shifts".
You can donate to the family's fundraiser here.
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