Forensic tests to determine breed of dog that killed six-month-old baby girl in Daventry

Northamptonshire Police said on Sunday that they were “still not in a position to name the victim” who died in the attack in Morning Star Road, Daventry, on Friday night.

A spokesman said: “In terms of the next stage involving the dog which carried out the fatal attack, the dog will also be subject to a forensic post mortem at the Royal Veterinary College tomorrow.

“It will also be examined by dog legislation officers, including officers from Northamptonshire Police and a national dog legislation officer in order to identify the breed.

“DNA can also be taken from the animal to help determine the breed,” he said.

Officers at about 10.30pm on Friday night following reports that a baby, who was in the care of a relative – believed to be a grandmother – was being attacked by a dog.

Officers and paramedics who attended the incident tried to resuscitate the baby, but she was confirmed dead at Northampton General Hospital.

Speaking yesterday, Daventry Conservative MP Mr Heaton-Harris said officers who went to the scene were left traumatised by the incident.

He added: “A terribly sad day in Daventry.

“Like everyone who has heard this awful news, my heart goes out to the parents and family of the baby girl. I simply cannot imagine what they are going through at this time.

“I would especially like to thank the officers who attended the scene last night. I understand they attempted to revive the baby girl and are badly affected by what they experienced.

“This afternoon I have received briefings from the local police and spoken with a number of people about this incident which, I am sure, will re-stimulate the debate about ‘dangerous dogs’.”

“That, however, is all for another time.

“Today, in our community, we have a family who have lost a baby girl in the most horrific of circumstances and our thoughts and prayers should be with them.”

The relative at the home was severely bitten as she tried to stop the attack and save the baby.

The dog was destroyed at the scene.

Northamptonshire Police said the dog was put to sleep at the scene.

Det Sgt Gary Baker, who is leading an investigation into the incident, said: “This was a deeply distressing and tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family who have been left devastated by the events of Friday night.

“Incidents such as these are extremely rare in this country, but that will be of little comfort to the relatives of this tragically young victim.

“The family have requested that they be left to grieve at this difficult time.”

Daventry District councillor Chris Over was also quoted in the national media.

He said: “This is shocking. This is a terrible situation - the trauma for the family must be awful and our hearts go out to them.

“It is a wake-up call for people to make certain that when they select a dog it is a breed that has a good reputation and that they are able to control the dog.

“There have been a number of incidents like this around the country in recent times. It seems to me that there should be some kind of legislation in place.”