Three-year-old boy dies after suspected dog attack in Rochdale

No arrests made and police enquiries are ongoing

Police called the incident ‘extremely distressing’ (AFP/Getty)

A three-year-old boy has died in Rochdale after a suspected dog attack, Greater Manchester Police said. 

Officers were called at around 1.15pm on Sunday by the North West Ambulance Service after receiving reports that a child had suffered injuries in Milnrow.

He was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police said on Sunday evening that no arrests had been made and enquiries were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

Detective superintendent Jamie Daniels, of Greater Manchester Police’s public protection and serious crime division, said: “This is a tragic, devastating incident and our thoughts are with the family at this horrendous time.

“We are investigating the incident and previous incidents involving dogs at this address.

“While our enquiries to find out what happened will be thorough and are very much in their infancy, we suspect that this little boy has sadly succumbed to injuries received as a result of a dog attack.

“I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned and this news will rock the local community.

“I can only assure everyone that we will work relentlessly to establish the full circumstances that led to this tragedy and while we retain an open mind, this is now being dealt with as a criminal investigation.

“There will be a significant police presence in the area – we will be there to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have.”

Police are urging anyone with information to call 0161 856 5413 quoting incident 1615.