Family of girl, 4, killed by dog say they're 'overwhelmed by love' after tragedy
The family of a schoolgirl mauled to death by her pet dog say they have been “overwhelmed with love” following the tragedy.
Alice Stones, four, was savaged by the crazed animal in the back garden of her home in Milton Keynes on Tuesday evening.
Mum Louise Stones, 25, was overheard screaming “she’s dead, she’s dead” after witnessing the horrific attack.
Friends are raising money online to support the single mum as she prepares for her daughter’s funeral.
In an update on the GoFundMe, pal Grace Wenham posted a new photo of little Alice.
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
It shows the tragic youngster blowing out candles on her birthday cake after turning four last August.
Alice Stones, four, died after being attacked by a pet dog in the back garden of her home in Milton Keynes
Family and friends have paid tribute to their "little princess" (Enterprise News and Pictures)In a note accompanying the snap Grace posted a message from Alice’s grieving mum and other relatives.
She wrote: "The family … want to thank everyone who has donated, shared or sent their condolences during this horrendous time.
"Nothing has gone unnoticed and they are overwhelmed with the love felt by the community during this unthinkable tragedy."
The fund, which will pay for the funeral and living costs for Louise, now stands at nearly £3,000.
It was launched yesterday to help give the "most special and beautiful send off this little princess deserves".
Alice pictured with her mum Louise (far right) and mum's friend (gofundme.com)The page 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.
Dog shot dead by police after mauling girl, 4, to death in horror attack
Flowers and teddy bears at the scene in Milton Keynes (PA)"Thank you so much to everyone that can help in any way."
Her neighbours in the Netherfield area of the city said she had got the dog just six weeks ago.
Thames Valley Police say they are still trying to determine the breed but have confirmed the animal was the family’s pet.
One neighbour claimed the dog was a pitbull/husky cross which the family had got from a rescue centre.
On Wednesday a friend described Louise as “heartbroken” and said her “world has fallen apart”.
That evening, around 100 people attended a vigil organised at Grand Union Vineyard Church - across the road from the house.
Around 100 people attended a vigil organised at Grand Union Vineyard Church (PA)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.
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".
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 earlier this weekShe 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.
One neighbour claimed the dog was a pitbull/husky cross which the family had got from a rescue centre (garden pictured) (PA)"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."
Giving 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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