Tributes to Jade Anderson after Atherton dog attack

Jade Anderson's body was found with the dogs at a house in Chaucer Grove

Tributes have been paid to a 14-year-old girl who died after she was attacked by a pack of "out of control" dogs at a house in Greater Manchester.

Jade Anderson was found alone with five of the animals at a house she was visiting in Chaucer Grove, Atherton, Wigan, on Tuesday afternoon.

Police, who have spoken to the owners but made no arrests, said armed officers destroyed four dogs.

Fred Longworth High School said staff and pupils were "deeply shocked".

MPs have called for urgent reform of dog control laws, with the government suggesting new legislation may be brought in as quickly as possible.

'Lively and popular'

Friends of the teenager are set to release lanterns outside the school in Tyldesley later.

Head teacher at Jade's school, Jan Garretts, said the teenager had only been a pupil since the summer but had been making excellent progress.

"Obviously we are all shocked and saddened by Jade's tragic death," she said.

"She was very lively, very popular, she made lots of friends even in the short time she was actually here.

"She loved music, she loved dancing, we have an after school dance club and she was a regular at that and really enjoyed it.

"We hoped she had a great future ahead of her and she was making excellent progress."

She added: "Fred Longworth High School always regards itself as one big family, we will all pull together and support one another."

She said the school, which is currently closed for the Easter break, would be open on Wednesday and Thursday to pupils in need of support.

Flowers have been left outside the two-storey terraced house where the incident took place, and messages from friends have been posted on Facebook.

'Siginificant police presence'

Police said Jade's body was found at the house just after 14:00 GMT.

A post-mortem examination was due to take place on Tuesday night but officers said her injuries were "consistent with having been attacked by dogs".

Four dogs, believed to be two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers, were shot by police marksmen.

A fifth dog was contained at the house and not destroyed.

Police are continuing enquiries to determine the particular breed of the dogs but said they initially appear to be legal.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "Officers attended and found the body of a 14-year-old girl.

"They were confronted by a number of dogs that were aggressive and out of control."

Supt Mark Kenny said there would be a "significant" police presence in the area to reassure residents.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life. Specialist officers are offering them every support," he said.

"I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned, including the community, and we will work hard to establish the full circumstances that led to this tragedy."

He said it was too early to say any criminal offences had been committed.

Friends paid tribute to the "quiet" and "timid" teenager, who is thought to have visited the shops and returned to the house with a meat pie when she was attacked.

More than 4,500 people joined a Facebook group set up in Jade's memory.

'Overhaul' needed

One of those was the aunt of four-year-old John-Paul Massey, who was killed by a banned breed of dog in Liverpool in 2009.

Tricia Massey wrote: "Such a tragic thing to happen. I know what your poor family must be going through and how they are feeling, I lost my four-year-old nephew three years ago.

"He was killed by a dangerous dog in Liverpool. Something needs to be done about these aggressive animals."

Pet charity Blue Cross has called for a change in laws governing dangerous dogs.

Chief executive Kim Hamilton said: "This tragic loss of a young life is an extremely distressing reminder that current dangerous dog legislation puts people at risk.

"All our thoughts are with Jade's family and friends but until we see a radical overhaul of the law that allows authorities to step in at the first sign of aggressive behaviour these shocking incidents will continue to happen."

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estimates about 210,000 people are attacked by dogs in England every year.

Five children and one adult have been killed by dogs on private property since 2007.