THE FAMILY of a 17-month-old baby who died following a dog attack have paid tribute to the "beautiful little girl".

Bella-Rae Birch 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.

St Helens Star: Police officers will remain at the scene on Bidston Avenue in the coming daysPolice officers will remain at the scene on Bidston Avenue in the coming days

After the tragic incident, the family of Bella-Rae said: "As a family, we would like to thank the community for their support.

"We would ask that we are now allowed some space and time to try and come to terms with the tragic loss of our much-loved Bella-Rae.

"She will be sadly missed but never forgotten."

St Helens Star: Bella-Rae was rushed to hospital after the attack but died as a result of her injuriesBella-Rae was rushed to hospital after the attack but died as a result of her injuries

The community in St Helens have expressed their shock and sympathies with the family after the tragic incident was reported late last night.

Some neighbours on Bidston Avenue gave the young girl CPR in the attempt to save her life on Monday afternoon, with one describing Bella-Rae as a "beautiful little girl" who was always "toddling about". 

St Helens Star: A neighbour laying flowers outside the address on Bidston Avenue (Peter Byrne/PA)A neighbour laying flowers outside the address on Bidston Avenue (Peter Byrne/PA)

Merseyside Police have confirmed that the dog, which was bought by the family around a week ago, has now been "humanely destroyed".

Superintendent Steve Brizell confirmed that officers will remain in the area in the coming days to provide further reassurance and support for the wider community, while specialist family liaison officers are providing the family of Bella-Rae with support.

As part of the police's investigation, 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).

St Helens Star: Officers outside the address on Bidston Avenue (Peter Byrne/PA)Officers outside the address on Bidston Avenue (Peter Byrne/PA)

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.