Caerphilly dog attack: Woman arrested after death of 10-year-old boy

A woman has been arrested after a dog attack in Caerphilly which killed a 10-year-old boy.

Jack Lis was mauled to death by a “powerful” and “aggressive” dog on Monday (8 November), Gwent Police said.

A 28-year-old woman, from the Caerphilly area, was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.

She was later released on conditional bail, police said on Wednesday.

Two men – a 34-year-old from the Mountain Ash area and a 19-year-old from the Caerphilly area – spoke to police voluntarily in relation to the incident and both were later released.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hobrough, of Gwent Police, said: "As our investigation continues, we will be removing our scenes from the area and the work to identify the breed of dog involved is also progressing.

“As we’ve arrested an individual on suspicion of an offence linked to the attack, and spoken to two others voluntarily, we’re looking to identify where any criminal matters have occurred.

“I understand that there is a lot of interest about this in our communities.

“It is vital that people are considering the tone and language used in comment posted on social media about the identities of anyone involved in this matter as part of our enquiries.

“As this is a live investigation such comments may have impact on our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice.”

Jack Lis had been playing at a friend’s house after school in Pentwyn, Penyrheol, when the attack happened on Monday.

Paramedics were called to the scene just before 4pm but they were unable to save him.

The dog was shot by firearms officers who were also called to the scene.

Tributes have since poured in, including a statement from Jack’s mother, Emma Whitfield, who wrote on Facebook: “With so much heart break […] I have to announce our beautiful boy Jack was taken so tragically yesterday.

Chief superintendent Mark Hobrough giving an update on the investigation on Tuesday.

“It was not our dog nor did it happen at our family home. He was out to play.

“We love you so much our sweet sweet boy.”

People living in the street said they have been shocked by the incident.

Ricky Willis, 70, said: “It’s a big shock. I’ve lived on this road for 46 years and I’ve never seen anything like this happen.”

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, described the scene as “chaos”.

Another person who lives on the road said: “I feel sick to my stomach thinking about what happened to that boy.

“We went out to see what was going on but the police asked us to go back inside while they put the child in the ambulance. So we did, out of respect.”

People have been leaving flowers throughout the day near the house where Jack, a pupil at Cwm Ifor primary school, died.

One read: “RIP Little one.”

Another read: “RIP young man. So so sorry for the loss to the family.”

Anyone with information or concerns are asked to contact police on Facebook or Twitter. Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.