Schoolgirl, 10, mauled to death by dog in North Yorkshire had 'close, loving relationship' with killer pet

3 November 2024, 17:49

A 10-year-old girl who was mauled to death by her family's dog had a 'close, loving relationship' with the pet that killed her, police have said.
A 10-year-old girl who was mauled to death by her family's dog had a 'close, loving relationship' with the pet that killed her, police have said. Picture: Alamy

By Chay Quinn

A 10-year-old girl who was mauled to death by her family's dog had a 'close, loving relationship' with the pet that killed her, police say.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The schoolgirl was bitten by the dog, believed to be a registered XL Bully, in the family's home near Malton in North Yorkshire on Friday afternoon.

On Sunday, North Yorkshire Police said: "Officers are conducting detailed inquiries covering all aspects of the incident.

Read More: Two dead and six injured as gunman opens fire in Halloween horror shooting in Orlando

Read More: King of Spain heckled by angry mud-throwing crowds during visit to area impacted by fatal flash flooding

"One of the lines of inquiry relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl.

"All indications so far suggest it was out of character, with the girl and dog having a close, loving relationship."

The force previously confirmed that the killer dog will be destroyed.

Officers were called to the Malton area by ambulance crews at 4.15pm on Friday.

XL Bullies Being Walked On Private Land After Ban
The schoolgirl was bitten by the dog, believed to be a registered XL Bully, in the family's home near Malton in North Yorkshire on Friday afternoon (stock image). Picture: Getty

Despite the best efforts of both the individual and paramedics, the girl could not be saved and died at the scene.

The dog involved in the attack was secured inside a car by a family member prior to the arrival of the emergency services, police confirmed.

Read more: Public schoolboy, 17, who attacked sleeping students and teacher with hammers he kept 'for zombie apocalypse'

Read more: WATCH: Moment police board plane and arrest fugitive family of schoolgirl Sara Sharif on suspicion of murder

The canine was then seized by officers, who took it to secure kennels.

Malton, a small market town in North Yorkshire, is home to some 5,000 residents.

A member of the public went to help the family and Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended, police said.

aerial view of Malton, North Yorkshire
Aerial view of Malton, North Yorkshire. Picture: Alamy
North Yorkshire Police badge
North Yorkshire Police badge. Picture: Alamy

A family member secured the dog inside a car before emergency services arrived, they added.

The animal was later seized by officers who took it to secure kennels.

The girl has not been named by police and a post-mortem examination is taking place on Sunday evening.

On Saturday, North Yorkshire Police said: "Our thoughts remain with the girl's family and friends at this very distressing time. Officers are supporting the family while inquiries continue.

"We also urge people not to speculate about the incident, respect the family's privacy and allow them to grieve in peace.

"We will provide more information when we are able to."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2025

Max Verstappen wins his first race of the season as he fends off Lando Norris at Japanese Grand Prix

A law that bans fake reviews and so called drip pricing for online shopping has come into force.

UK bans fake reviews and hidden fees in new law to protect online shoppers

Lucy Connolly was jailed for 31 months.

Tory councillor's wife who was jailed for inciting racial hatred after Southport attacks 'should be freed', says ex-PM

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said at last year's Budget that the move would raise £25 billion per year by 2029

Prices ‘pushed higher’ and warnings of job losses as National Insurance rise comes into effect

Video footage shows the convoy had emergency lights flashing when it was hit

Israel admits ‘mistakenly’ killing 15 aid workers after video leak contradicted official version of events

Police found two men stabbed on on Erconwald Street in East Acton. One of them died at the scene

Murder probe as man knifed to death in double stabbing in London street

Dan Norris, pictured here next to Keir Starmer has also been held on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Labour MP arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences

The victim, centre, and his two killers

Moment London knife victim, 22, buys drinks for his killers before they stab him to death in street

An armed Met counter-terror firearms unit at Downing Street

UK police chiefs ‘plan national counter-terrorism force’

Patrick Mullins aboard Nick Rockett after winning the Randox Grand Nationa

Nick Rockett wins 2025 Grand National at Aintree holding off last year's winner I Am Maximus

She was reportedly robbed outside an Italian restaurant in Cheshire

Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana ‘robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex’

Jaguar Land Rover has paused shipments to the US in the wake of 'Liberation Day' tariffs

Jaguar Land Rover halts shipments to US in wake of tariffs as Trump insists he'll win 'economic revolution'

The fire happened at Goldenbeach Holiday Park, Roman Bank, Ingoldmells.

Two people killed in caravan fire at holiday park in Lincolnshire

Easter eggs have been recalled over a potential risk of 'metal'

'Do not eat' warning as major chocolate brand recalls two Easter eggs amid fears they contain metal

Flowers and toys left on a swing seat to commemorate victims killed in Russia's missile attack on Friday

Death toll from Russian strike on Zelenskyy's home town rises as 18 confirmed dead - including nine children

Lucy Connolly

Tory councillor's wife who was jailed for racial hatred tweet after Southport attacks 'denied temporary release'