Girl aged 14 mauled to death in house by dogs

A TEENAGE girl has died after apparently being mauled by an “aggressive and out of control” pack of dogs.

The 14-year-old, who has been named locally as Jade Anderson, was found in a house in Wigan, shortly after 2pm yesterday.

It followed reports that she was unconscious and a number of dogs were out of control.

Armed police officers destroyed four of the animals, thought to be two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers, while a fifth was contained, Greater Manchester Policesaid.

Superintendent Mark Kenny said that the teenager’s injuries were “consistent with her having been attacked by dogs”. Police said the girl was believed to have been visiting the address and nobody else was present. All five dogs were at the address.

Supt Kenny added: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life. Specialist officers are offering them every support.

“While our inquiries to find out what happened are ongoing, this girl’s injuries are consistent with her having been attacked by dogs.

“I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned, including the community, and we will work hard to establish the full circumstances that led to this tragedy.

“There will be a significant police presence in the area, which will remain this evening. We will be there to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have.”

A post-mortem examination to establish how Jade died was expected to take place last night.

The dogs’ remains will also be examined as part of the investigation, police said.

Neighbour Kenneth Lindsay said: “I just heard gunshots. It was going on without me realising it.

“When I heard the gunshots I came out of the door. There was a policeman talking to people.”

He added: “I went down … to see what it was all about and the policeman shouted at me to get back inside and stay inside.”

Tearful friends stood outside the home in a state of disbelief, while tributes were also paid on Facebook.

Ellie Morris posted: “Can’t believe this has happened. My best friend, dead, miss you so much my princess. Love you soo (sic) much.”

She added: “You always called me your little sister, told me you will be there for me through thick&thin.”

There have been a number of dog attacks in recent years. In 2009, three-and-a-half-month-old Jaden Mack was killed by a Staffordshire bull terrier and a Jack Russell at his grandmother’s home in South Wales.

The same year saw the tragic case of John-Paul Massey, a four-year-old who died at his grandmother’s house in Liverpool after suffering “massive injuries” inflicted by a pitbull, a breed banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Eight-day-old Harry Harper died last November after being bitten by a dog in Ketley, Telford.

A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a “significant” head injury, inflicted by the family’s Jack Russell.