Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
This is the little girl mauled to death by a dog in the garden of her home in Milton Keynes.
Alice Stones, four, was attacked on Tuesday at around 5pm in a property in Broadlands, Netherfield.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but she was pronounced dead.
Police have this afternoon confirmed the animal was a family pet but the breed is yet to be determined.
The animal was destroyed by a police marksman in the home as families queuing at a nearby foodbank were told to get inside the church amid fears for their safety.
Dog shot dead by police after mauling girl, 4, to death in horror attack
This morning people, including a little girl hand in hand with a woman, were seen laying flowers close to the family's home amid plans for a vigil in Alice's honour later today.
A neighbour revealed they heard Alice’s mother screaming in the aftermath of the tragic incident before police arrived at the scene.
Alice Stones was killed in the tragedy in the garden of her homeThey told the Sun: “We heard desperate screams last night. I heard ‘she’s dead! She’s dead!
"It sounded like Louise shouting. They were piercing screams.
“They’ll stay with me forever. It was a nightmare. I’m heartbroken. They will haunt me.
A little girl and her mother lay flowers near the home (PA)“It’s horrendous. Alice goes to school with my children. It’s so upsetting.”
Alice's grandfather, who lives nearby, described the tragedy as "horrendous" and said the family are trying to come to terms with it.
Neighbour Rita Matthews, 36, said she would see the girl while walking her own daughter to school.
Police beginning their investigations last night (UkNewsinPictures)"I know the girl. It's so sad to hear that news.
"She was always holding her mummy's hand on the way back.
Families told to stay inside church as armed cops chased dog that killed girl, 4
"It's so sad we're not going to see the girl again and I pray all the best to her mum to get her strength back."
Flowers left at the scene by people this morning (PA)Mother-of-four Ms Matthews described the youngster as a "happy little girl, very happy".
"She would say, 'Bye, auntie', and I would say, 'Bye, little girl'," she said. "You know kids, playing around."
Another local said: “It’s an absolute tragedy. Alice was so sweet. She was an angel.
An aerial view of the scene this morning in Milton Keynes (PA)“I’m heartbroken. She and her mum were very close.
“I feel so sorry for them. It’s devastating. My heart goes out to her family.
“There were never any problems involving dogs. It’s so shocking.”
Pieces of evidence have been clearly marked in the garden (PA)No one else was hurt as a result of the incident and the dog was shot dead by police and no arrests have been made in connection with this investigation.
Superintendent Matt Bullivant said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident, in which we believe that a child has been killed after being attacked by a dog.
“Clearly, we are in the very early stages of an investigation, and it would be wrong and unhelpful to speculate as to the exact circumstances of this incident at this point.
Alice was described as a "happy little girl" by neighbours (Joseph Walshe SWNS)“However, in order to ensure public safety, a decision was made earlier this evening to destroy the dog involved, and this has been done humanely.
“I understand how much of an impact this will have on the community and on the wider public, and people can expect to see a large police presence in the area this evening and beyond while our investigation continues.
“I would like to reassure people that there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the wider public at this time.
Officers standing outside the home this morning (PA)“Anyone with concerns should feel free to approach our officers and ask questions, but I urge people not to speculate about the circumstances, especially on social media platforms.
“I also understand that this case is likely to attract attention from the media.
"With this in mind I would like to ask that the privacy of the family involved is respected at this very difficult time.
Investigations are ongoing this morning (PA)“It is impossible to imagine what they must be going through at the moment.”
As neighbours paid tribute to the youngster it was revealed a community vigil is to be held later today in Alice’s memory.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent his condolences to the family during Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons.
The dog was destroyed at the scene to protect the public, say police (UKNIP)Responding to a question from Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart, the PM said: "I send my condolences and I'm sure the whole House's condolences to the girl's family and the whole community after this horrific incident.
"I join him in thanking the emergency services, they responded rapidly and professionally and I know my right honourable friend will be supporting them and his constituents during this difficult time."
Donna Fuller, a ward councillor for Woughton Community Council, added there is “such a sense of shock” and described it as an “awful situation”.
She said of the planned vigil: “It will send a strong message to the family we are thinking of them.”
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