Toddler Killed By 'Out-Of-Control' Bull Terrier Her Parents Bought Just A Week Ago

A 17-month-old baby girl was mauled to death by the family's pet dog which was bought just a week ago, police said.

Bella-Rae Birch was savaged at her home in St Helens, Merseyside, United Kingdom, at around 3.50 pm on Monday, March 21.

Neighbors rushed to help the toddler after hearing her parents scream as the animal, described as a "stocky Staffordshire terrier or pitbull", pounced at the child.

One neighbor, identified only as Jordan said she ran to help the child as soon as her family raised the alarm, adding: "I just ran over to try to help and started CPR until the paramedics took over."

"I didn’t see the dog, I was just focusing on helping the baby," she said.

Another neighbor, who did not want to be named, said: "The mum was on the field at the front of the house crying, she was hysterical."

Emergency services rushed the toddler to the hospital where she tragically died of her injuries a short time later.

The dog had joined the family a week earlier. It has since been put down, officials confirmed.

Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said in a press conference: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the child’s family at this devastating time.

"The little girl’s parents and wider family are absolutely devastated and our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing them with support at this horrendous time."

"Whilst we are in the very early stages of the investigation into this extremely tragic incident we can confirm that the dog was only bought by the family a week ago and officers are working to identify the previous owners of the dog concerned and establish its history."

"Our officers will remain on Bidston Avenue this evening and in the coming days to provide reassurance to the local community and we will work tirelessly to establish the full circumstances."

"If you were in the Bidston Avenue area this afternoon and witnessed anything, or have any information about the dog in question then please come forward speak to one of our officers."

"Our officers take the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously.

"Over the past years, we have worked proactively with the five local authorities in Merseyside to ensure prohibited dogs are taken off the streets."