Dog that killed baby in Doncaster 'strong enough to drag three police into road'

A dog that mauled a newborn baby to death in Doncaster was ‘strong enough to drag three police officers into the road,’ an eye witness has said.
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The 12-day-old boy, who has not yet been named, died in hospital after being attacked by the dog at a house in Welfare Road, Woodlands, on Sunday.

Two people – a 35-year-old man and woman, 27, have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

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According to the Daily Mirror, a local woman witnessed the aftermath of the incident, which took place at around 3.30pm on Sunday.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Woodlands. (Photo: SWNS).Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Woodlands. (Photo: SWNS).
Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Woodlands. (Photo: SWNS).

She said: “I drove by as the police were removing the dog.

“It was a big fluffy golden thing. It didn’t look like a dangerous breed.

“But police were struggling to get it into the dog van.

"It was strong enough to be dragging three officers into the road.”

Emergency services were called to the house on Sunday afternoon after receiving reports that the dog had attacked the tot.

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The youngster was taken to hospital with serious injuries and sadly died later, a police statement said.

Police have confirmed that the dog – which is believed to be a crossbreed - was removed from the address but have not confirmed if it has been destroyed.

A number of floral tributes have been left outside the house, while dozens of upset friends and neighbours have paid tribute to the tot on Facebook.

Devastated Debbie Kitchen, who knows the family, said: "This was a tragic accident.

"RIP little man fly high with the angels."

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Friend Louise Scott wrote on Facebook: "Absolutely devastating news.

"Two parents have just lost a child and three other children a brother in such terrible circumstances.

"Sleep tight little man."

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "On arrival at the property, emergency services discovered a 12-day-old baby boy had been bitten by a dog and suffered serious injuries."

"The child was taken to hospital, but sadly died a short time later.

"A 35-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.”

The pair have been bailed while enquiries continue.