THE 17-MONTH-OLD baby who died from a dog attack in Blackbrook has been identified by police as Bella-Rae Birch.
Bella-Rae was attacked by the family dog at her home on Bidston Avenue at around 3.50pm on Monday, March 21.
The young girl was rushed to hospital by paramedics, but she later died as a result of her injuries.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that the dog, which was bought by the family around a week ago, has now been "humanely destroyed".
Officers remain at the scene on Bidston Avenue, and the dog will be subject to further forensic examinations to determine the breed of dog and whether it is a legal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).
In a statement outside the address on Bidston Avenue this morning, Superintendent Steve Brizell said:
"Bella-Rae has lost her life in the most unimaginably terrible circumstances, and our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and the wider community at this devastating time.
"Our specialist family liaison officers are providing the family of Bella-Rae with support and officers will remain in the area in the coming days to provide further reassurance and support for the wider community.
"[The incident] has left a family and a community grieving and in complete shock."
After hearing Bella-Rae's mother's cries for help on Monday afternoon, some neighbours on Bidston Avenue gave the young girl CPR in the attempt to save her life.
Others are helping officers with the investigation, with one neighbour describing Bella-Rae as a "beautiful little girl" who was always "toddling about".
Giving his thoughts on yesterday's tragic events, St Helens North MP Conor McGinn said: “The close-knit community in Blackbrook and across St Helens are in deep shock after yesterday’s tragedy.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the little girl’s family, who are devastated. I know everyone locally will respect their request for privacy as they grieve.”
Anyone with information surrounding the incident can contact Merseyside Police on Twitter @MerPolCC, or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, with reference number 22000196837.
They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article