Four-year-old killed in tragic dog attack

Merseyside Police investigate at the scene of the tragedy in Ash Grove, Wavertree earlier today

Neighbours have told of their horror at the news that
a four-year old boy has died following an attack by a
dog in Wavertree.

Emergency services were called to a family address in Ash Grove at 0.24am this morning, following reports that a four-year old had been viciously attacked by a dog, which is believed to have been a bull-terrier-type breed.

Neighbours reported hearing a dog barking before the police arrived and armed officers killed the dog in the front garden of the house.

Prav Sancee, 22, who lives in Ash Grove, said: “We heard a dog going mad for about an hour and then the police turned up. The next thing we heard was two gunshots and then the dog stopped barking.”

The child, named by locals as John-Paul Massey, was a pupil at St Clare's Primary School. He suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Michael Hennesey, headmaster at the school, said: “He was such a friendly, cheerful little boy and so popular among all the children. He would join in everything and was undoubtedly a clever boy. Everyone’s thoughts at St Clare’s are with his family at this desperately sad time.”

A 63-year old woman, believed to be the child’s grandmother, was also taken to hospital and treated for injuries thought to have been sustained as she tried to separate the dog and the child.

In a statement from Merseyside Police, Chief Superintendent Steve Ashley, said: “This is a tragic incident and a full and thorough investigation will be carried out in to the circumstances surrounding this young boy’s death. Officers are with the family and our sympathies are with them at this time.”

He added: “Of utmost importance in such incidents is the safety of the public and of police officers. When officers arrived at the address the dog was in an agitated state in the front garden of the property.”

The dog, which is believed to belong to the child’s uncle, has been destroyed.

One nearby resident said: “You don’t know the situation of the dog, it could have been provoked by the boy or it could have been one of those horrible dogs.”

Another neighbour added: “It’s terrible, especially coming up for Christmas, the mother must be horrified.”

Becky O’Hare, 19, who lives in Ash Grove, said: “I can’t believe it. I know it’s not the safest area but you don’t expect something like this to happen.”

Merseyside Police are continuing their investigations.