Milton Keynes: 'Happy little girl', 4, killed in dog attack

The child died at the scene of the attack in the back garden of a house in Netherfield

A four-year-old girl has died in a dog attack in Milton Keynes, police said.

Officers attended a house on Broadlands in Netherfield on Tuesday evening after it was reported a dog had attacked a child in the back garden.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the girl died at the scene and the animal had been "humanely destroyed".

A spokesman for the force described the attack, which happened at about 17:00 GMT, as a "tragic incident". No arrests have been made.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences to the family during Prime Minister's Questions and thanked the emergency services for responding "rapidly and professionally".

Neighbour Rita Matthews, 36, said she would see the girl while walking her own daughter to school.

"I know the girl. It's so sad to hear that news," she said.

"She was always holding her mummy's hand on the way back.

A woman and child lay flowers outside the property where a four-year-old died on Tuesday

Neighbour Rita Matthews described the child as a "happy little girl"

"It's so sad we're not going to see the girl again and I pray all the best to her mum to get her strength back."

Mother-of-four Ms Matthews described the youngster as a "happy little girl, very happy".

"She would say, 'Bye, auntie', and I would say, 'Bye, little girl'," she said. "You know kids, playing around."

Another neighbour told BBC Three Counties that the girl who died was friends with his four-year-old son.

"I was in tears when I saw the news. I was shocked to hear the little one was a victim," he said.

"I didn't tell my boy what's going on. I didn't want him to get upset hearing that news.

"It's close to my door. It's very sad."

'Strong community'

Chris Morley, senior pastor at the nearby Grand Union Vineyard church, said it would be open all day to allow locals time for "quiet reflection".

"Our hearts are really for the family, but we realise a tragedy like this cuts to the heart of the community here in Netherfield," he said.

"It's just being available to people, if people need to talk, and to be around.

"The Netherfield community, and I've seen it over the years I've been here, whether it was the flood of 2018 or the stabbing of that young lad last year, always seems to draw together.

"It's a very strong community, the way people respond to crises."

A vigil would take place at 19:00 GMT, he said.

At the scene

Jo Black, BBC News

Outside the house on the Netherfield estate, tributes for the little girl continue to be placed. There are cards, flowers and even small toys on the ground next to the police cordon outside the end terrace.

The street feels reasonably quiet, but just down the road there are children playing basketball at a local park - a stark contrast to what's happening at the address in Broadlands.

Officers in forensic suits have been at the property and the police presence will remain for some time while investigations continue.

People who were nearby last night said there was a big emergency response with armed police officers.

Many people who have left flowers here today didn't know the family, but told us they were so saddened that they felt compelled to come.

Officers from Thames Valley Police remain at the scene on Wednesday

Donna Fuller, a ward councillor for Woughton Community Council, said the area has a "tight-knit community, predominantly families".

She added that there was "such a sense of shock" and it was an "awful situation".

The vigil would "enable the community to come together and draw strength from each other", she said.

"It will send a strong message to the family that we are thinking of them."

Police confirmed the child died at the scene of the attack on Tuesday

Supt Matt Bullivant, of Thames Valley Police, said on Tuesday: "I understand how much of an impact this will have on the community and on the wider public, and people can expect to see a large police presence in the area.

"Anyone with concerns should feel free to approach our officers and ask questions, but I urge people not to speculate about the circumstances, especially on social media platforms."

The force said no-one else was hurt in the incident and that the child's family was being supported by officers.

Thames Valley Police has urged anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference number 20230131-1546, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A sign on the door of the Grand Union Vineyard church, which will remain open for locals