Girl, 10, died from dog attack injuries - inquest

Savannah Bentham was killed by an XL bully dog which was a family pet (stock image)

A 10-year-old girl died from neck injuries after being attacked by her family's XL bully dog, an inquest has heard.

Savannah Bentham was fatally injured by the pet at her home in a static caravan in the village of East Heslerton, near Malton, on 1 November, Northallerton Coroner’s Court was told on Friday.

Alison Norton, North Yorkshire's assistant coroner, said Savannah “sustained fatal injuries” after being attacked by the dog at her home address and she was later identified by her grandmother.

In a short hearing, Ms Norton opened the inquest into Savannah's death and then adjourned it to a date yet to be fixed.

North Yorkshire Police previously said officers were called to the scene by Yorkshire Ambulance Service at about 16:15 GMT on 1 November.

However, Savannah died at the scene despite being treated by medical professionals and a member of the public who came to help, a force spokesperson said.

'Wonderful girl'

In a statement issued by police after the incident, members of Savannah's family said they were "utterly shocked and devastated" by what had happened.

"We can't believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much," they said.

North Yorkshire Police later said officers were investigating why the dog attacked Savannah as all indications suggested it was out of character as the dog was a family pet.

According to a police spokesperson, the family had owned the XL bully for four years and they had the necessary Certificate of Exemption required under new legislation.

The dog had also been neutered, they said.

The XL bully was put down by a vet following the fatal attack according to police.

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