21 Nov 2012

Baby dies after bite from pet dog

The family of a baby who died after being bitten by a pet dog have said they are “absolutely devastated”.

Harry Harper (West Mercia Police)

Harry Harper, who was just one week old, was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after the family’s pet dog, a Jack Russell terrier, bit the baby yesterday morning.

Emergency services were called to the house in Ketley, a suburb of Telford, at 8am and the baby was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital, but died shortly after arrival.

A statement from the family said: “As a family we are absolutely devastated by Harry’s death and have no words to describe the loss we have suffered.

“We have no wish to speak publicly about yesterday’s events and would ask that we are left in peace to grieve and begin to deal with our loss.”

The dog has been put down and police are investigating the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, of West mercia Police, said: “Our investigation is ongoing but it appears that the baby died as a result of a dog bite. The dog in question was a family pet – a Jack Russell – and this animal has been put down.

“A post mortem will be taking place to establish the exact cause of this baby’s death but at this stage it does appear to be a tragic accident.

“I would like to ask the press to report this incident as sensitively as possible as the family involved are devastated by their loss. They have no desire to speak to the press at the present time and therefore I would request that their privacy is respected.

“With an investigation ongoing, there is no further comment I can make on this matter apart from to say that all our thoughts are with the family of the baby at this extremely sad time.”

The post mortem is due to take place on Wednesday.