Dog Attack Turns Deadly for Infant as Woman Suffers Painful Injuries

A 3-month-old girl was killed, and a woman was injured following a dog attack in Dormanstown, England, on April 9, 2026.

The incident was announced in a news release from the Cleveland Police. According to authorities, the dog involved was "destroyed."

According to the press release, a 45-year-old was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in death. He was later released on conditional bail after questioning.

Police were called to a home on Hardale Grove on Thursday, April 9, regarding concerns for a young girl. Upon arriving at the property, armed officers destroyed one dog outside. Another dog, located on the property, was recovered and later been destroyed.

Both dogs were later assessed by a specialist officer and determined not to be prohibited breeds.

The U.K. government prohibits breeds including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully.

A 31-year-old woman was treated at a hospital for an arm injury to her arm caused as a result of the dog bite.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the child’s family following this tragic and distressing incident. I want to take this opportunity to request that their privacy is respected during this difficult time," Chief Superintendent Rachel Stockdale, Head of Local Policing at Cleveland Police, stated.

Stockdale continued:

"There will continue to be a scene in place at the property alongside a visible policing presence as the investigation is ongoing. I encourage anyone who has concerns to please speak to an officer. We are also appealing to anyone with information, mobile or doorbell and dash cam footage to get in touch."

A neighbour told local outlet Teesside Live that she heard a woman screaming on the street, saying, either "get the baby" or "help the baby." She said she later saw police and ambulances outside the home before hearing a loud bang.

"I closed the blinds as I was looking after my great-granddaughter. I didn’t want her seeing any of that. That poor baby, she had no life. It’s absolutely horrendous," the anonymous neighbour added.

Another neighbour told the outlet that the dogs were "pocket bully." Neighbor Scarlett Calvert said she saw ambulances on the street when she returned home with her 1-year-old child.

"I was on the path behind the police tape when one of the dogs escaped. I was on the path and one of the dogs ran out. I was on the left side of the street and the dog ran out to the right side. I was getting called by my sisters, my dad, literally everyone," she said.

According to the aforementioned press release, "an investigation into the girl’s death is ongoing and at this stage officers are treating it as a result of a dog bite."