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Four-year-old boy killed by dog Four-year-old boy killed by dog
(about 1 hour later)
A four-year-old boy has been mauled to death by a dog at the family home in Liverpool.A four-year-old boy has been mauled to death by a dog at the family home in Liverpool.
The child was attacked at the property in Ashgrove, Wavertree, just after midnight.The child was attacked at the property in Ashgrove, Wavertree, just after midnight.
A 63-year-old woman was also injured and is being treated in hospital. It is believed she was hurt as she separated the dog from the child.A 63-year-old woman was also injured and is being treated in hospital. It is believed she was hurt as she separated the dog from the child.
Merseyside Police said armed officers killed the animal in the front garden of the house.Merseyside Police said armed officers killed the animal in the front garden of the house.
Dog handlers and armed response officers attended the scene and an investigation has begun.Dog handlers and armed response officers attended the scene and an investigation has begun.
Efforts are continuing to identify the dog's breed.Efforts are continuing to identify the dog's breed.
'Agitated state''Agitated state'
Ch Supt Steve Ashley said: "This is a tragic incident and a full and thorough investigation will be carried out into the circumstances surrounding this young boy's death.Ch Supt Steve Ashley said: "This is a tragic incident and a full and thorough investigation will be carried out into the circumstances surrounding this young boy's death.
"Officers are with the family and our sympathies are with them at this time.""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.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 and was deemed to be a danger to the public."When officers arrived at the address the dog was in an agitated state in the front garden of the property and was deemed to be a danger to the public.
"As a result we were left with no other option but to have the animal destroyed quickly and humanely.""As a result we were left with no other option but to have the animal destroyed quickly and humanely."
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