Armed police were forced to gun down a dog after it mauled a four-year-old to death on Tuesday. Police evacuated locals in Milton Keynes, Bucks, so they could corner the beast after it attacked the young Alice Prince. Police arrived at the scene shortly after 5pm after reports she was bitten in the back garden of the home. Tragically the youngster was pronounced dead at a property on Broadlands, in the Netherfield area of the town.
Police evavuated neighbours due to fears the dog could escape following the savage attack.
Residents were warned they may hear a gunshot.
It is believed the dog was cornered by armed cops and was gunned down.
Thames Valley Police has said no arrests have been made as they investigate the attack.
Locals left flowers outside the house this morning, while others described Alice’s mother’s “desperate screams” as her child was killed by the animal, which neighbours claimed the family bought about six weeks ago.
“I heard ‘She’s dead! She’s dead!’ a neighbour claimed. ‘They’ll stay with me forever. It was a nightmare. I’m heartbroken. They will haunt me”, reports MailOnline.
Police say no one else was hurt and the girl’s family is being supported by specially trained officers. Officers remain on scene today as their investigation into the incident continues.
A neighbour whose children go to school with Alice told The Sun that residents were instructed by police to stay inside in case the dog were to escape.
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“However, in order to ensure public safety, a decision was made earlier this evening to destroy the dog involved, and this has been done humanely.
“I understand how much of an impact this will have on the community and on the wider public, and people can expect to see a large police presence in the area this evening and beyond while our investigation continues.
“I would like to reassure people that there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the wider public at this time. Anyone with concerns should feel free to approach our officers and ask questions, but I urge people not to speculate about the circumstances, especially on social media platforms.
“I also understand that this case is likely to attract attention from the media. With this in mind I would like to ask that the privacy of the family involved is respected at this very difficult time. It is impossible to imagine what they must be going through at the moment.’
