Boy, three, dies after 'dog attack' in Rochdale as criminal investigation launched

ITV Granada Reports correspondent Elaine Willcox has the latest from the scene.

A criminal investigation is underway after a three-year-old boy died in a suspected dog attack in Rochdale.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) the boy was outdoors with a "number of dogs prior to being found with serious injuries".

The force added it has seized several dogs in relation to the incident, and one has been humanely destroyed.

It has also referred itself to the IOPC due to previous contact.

It is believed the three-year-old boy was outside with several dogs before being found with serious injuries.

GMP were called at 1:15pm on Sunday, 15 May by North West Ambulance Service, after reports a child had been injured at Carr Lane in Milnrow.

The boy was taken to hospital where he died a short time later.

No arrests have been made and police say they are investigating the circumstances, as well as previous incidents involving dogs at the home.

People who live in the local area say they are shocked and saddened with the news that a three-year-old had died in a suspected dog attack.

A number of dog walkers have told ITV News that they have avoided the area where the attack is said to have taken place because of incidents with the dogs in the past.

There are signs on the property warning that 'dogs are loose' and to not exit vehicles.

Police have sealed off the area, which is in a rural part of Rochdale in Greater Manchester.

Police taped off scene of a suspected dog attack in Milnrow. Credit: MEN Media

Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels, of the force'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 inquiries 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."

She went on to say that there will be "a significant police presence in the area" to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have.

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