Uncle arrested in Massey dog death case

Four-year-old John Paul died after being attacked by a dog in the early hours of Monday morning at his grandmother’s house in Ash Grove, Wavertree. The post mortem revealed his death was caused by head and neck injuries suffered during the attack and police later confirmed the dog was a "pitbull terrier-type", a breed banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

A police spokesman said: “We can confirm that a 21-year-old man from the Wavertree area of Liverpool has this morning been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. No other arrests have been made.”

Emergency services were called to the address but were too late to save the young boy. The dog was found in an “agitated state” in the garden and was shot dead by police officers.

Grandmother Helen Foulkes, 63, also suffered injuries as she tried to fight off the animal and rescue her grandson, and was later taken to hospital. She suffered bites to her legs and body, but has since been discharged.

A statement released by the family read: "John Paul was the light in all of our lives and when that light went out it took a piece of us with it forever.

"He was full of energy, never still for a minute. He was a born performer and recently got a certificate for singing on his own at nursery. He was a real chatterbox who had an answer for everything and his favourite word was why.

"He was a breath of fresh air and could light up a room with his cheeky smile and big personality - he was the whole family's sunshine.

"We want to thank all of our friends and family for their support. John Paul will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a popular and friendly little boy and will never be forgotten."

Merseyside Police were warned in February about dogs being bred at the home where four-year-old John Paul was killed.

A housing officer contacted the police nine months ago to raise concerns about dog breeding at the property but the case was not investigated.

Merseyside Police have accepted their failure to not follow up the initial report and The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed it is investigating why dog breeding reports were not looked into.

Deputy Chief Constable Patricia Gallan said: "On behalf of Merseyside Police, I am deeply concerned and very disappointed that our policy was not followed in February when we received a call alerting us to the possible breeding of pitbull terriers at the house where the attack took place.

"This is clearly unacceptable and we are sorry that Merseyside Police did not take the appropriate course of action at that time."

In an earlier statement, Chief Superintendent Steve Ashley said: “We had one complaint in February 2009, a report from a housing officer, that the premises were being used to breed dogs.

“We didn’t respond to that call, the operator decided it was not a police matter. That is not Merseyside Police policy and will form part of another investigation.

“We’ve got to get to the bottom of this. Procedure was not followed. An officer should have contacted the complainant back asking for more detail and an officer gone to the premises to examine the dog.”