Baby dog attack: Six-month-old girl killed by dog despite efforts to fight it off

Relative caring for the baby at time of attack was also injured as she tried to wrestle animal away

A six-month-old girl has died after being attacked by a dog in a house in Daventry (Getty Images)

A six-month-old girl has died after being attacked by a dog in a house in Daventry.

A relative caring for the baby at the time of the attack also suffered bite wounds as she attempted to wrestle the animal off.

Northamptonshire police and paramedics were called at around 10.30 last night, but were unable to resuscitate the infant.

The baby girl was taken to Northampton General Hospital where she was confirmed dead.

Detective Sergeant Gary Baker, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a deeply distressing and tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family who have been left devastated by the events of last night.”

The dog, whose breed has not been confirmed, was destroyed at the scene.

Experts will carry out tests next week to determine exactly what kind of dog it is.

Detective Sergeant Baker continued: "Incidents such as these are extremely rare in this country, but that will be of little comfort to the relatives of this tragically young victim.

"The family have requested that they be left to grieve at this difficult time."