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Family devastated by girl's death Family devastated by girl's death
(40 minutes later)
The family of a five-year-old girl killed by her uncle's dog say they are "absolutely devastated" by her death.The family of a five-year-old girl killed by her uncle's dog say they are "absolutely devastated" by her death.
Ellie Lawrenson died of severe head and neck injuries after being mauled at her grandmother's house in St Helens.Ellie Lawrenson died of severe head and neck injuries after being mauled at her grandmother's house in St Helens.
In a statement, Ellie's family described her as a "little angel" who "doted" on her younger brother.In a statement, Ellie's family described her as a "little angel" who "doted" on her younger brother.
Post-mortem tests showed the dog was a pit bull terrier-type breed, prohibited by the Dangerous Dogs Act. Two previous complaints had been made about the pet.Post-mortem tests showed the dog was a pit bull terrier-type breed, prohibited by the Dangerous Dogs Act. Two previous complaints had been made about the pet.
Supt Jon Ward, of Merseyside Police, said: "An assessment has been made by a recognised expert on the Dangerous Dogs Act, from the Metropolitan Police, and he has confirmed that the dog was a pit bull terrier type.Supt Jon Ward, of Merseyside Police, said: "An assessment has been made by a recognised expert on the Dangerous Dogs Act, from the Metropolitan Police, and he has confirmed that the dog was a pit bull terrier type.
"The results of this post-mortem will now be included in the investigation and we will be speaking to all family members about the circumstances leading up to this tragedy."The results of this post-mortem will now be included in the investigation and we will be speaking to all family members about the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.
She was a little angel, full of life and always running around Ellie Lawrenson's family Send us your commentsShe was a little angel, full of life and always running around Ellie Lawrenson's family Send us your comments
"As soon as the investigation is completed, a report will be presented to the coroner and to the Crown Prosecution Service in terms of considering what offences, if any, have been committed.""As soon as the investigation is completed, a report will be presented to the coroner and to the Crown Prosecution Service in terms of considering what offences, if any, have been committed."
The girl's family issued a statement in which they said: "Ellie was always happy and smiling.The girl's family issued a statement in which they said: "Ellie was always happy and smiling.
"She was a little angel, full of life and always running around."She was a little angel, full of life and always running around.
"We had a great Christmas together, with her little brother, Josh, who Ellie doted on and thought she was a second mother to."We had a great Christmas together, with her little brother, Josh, who Ellie doted on and thought she was a second mother to.
"We are absolutely devastated and can't believe she is gone.""We are absolutely devastated and can't believe she is gone."
Police found Ellie in the living room of the property in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, shortly before 0430 GMT on Monday.Police found Ellie in the living room of the property in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, shortly before 0430 GMT on Monday.
Ellie's grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, had managed to lock the dog outside but suffered injuries to tendons in her arm, and wounds to her thumb and elbow.Ellie's grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, had managed to lock the dog outside but suffered injuries to tendons in her arm, and wounds to her thumb and elbow.
She was taken to Whiston Hospital and underwent emergency surgery but is now said to be in a stable condition.She was taken to Whiston Hospital and underwent emergency surgery but is now said to be in a stable condition.
Pit bulls and the law Pit bull amnesty startsPit bulls and the law Pit bull amnesty starts
Police have yet to speak to her about what happened.Police have yet to speak to her about what happened.
The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act imposed conditions on the ownership of four types of dog.The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act imposed conditions on the ownership of four types of dog.
Lord Baker, who introduced the act when he was Home Secretary, said it was intended to get rid of pit bull terriers from the UK.
He said: "That sort of dog should not be available to be owned in the UK and that was the purpose of the Act."
It has emerged that the dog's owner, Ellie's uncle, was warned by St Helens Council last June about the animal's behaviour after it attacked another dog.It has emerged that the dog's owner, Ellie's uncle, was warned by St Helens Council last June about the animal's behaviour after it attacked another dog.
A second letter was sent after the council received a complaint about the dog's barking.A second letter was sent after the council received a complaint about the dog's barking.
Several neighbours claimed the dog had violent tendencies and one man, who did not want to be named, said he had been attacked by the animal.Several neighbours claimed the dog had violent tendencies and one man, who did not want to be named, said he had been attacked by the animal.
The dog was shot dead by a police marksman at the house.The dog was shot dead by a police marksman at the house.
Police said Ellie had been staying with her grandmother after her parents had been out to celebrate New Year's Eve.Police said Ellie had been staying with her grandmother after her parents had been out to celebrate New Year's Eve.