Family ‘devastated’ after teenager dog attack

Teachers and pupils at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, led tributes to the teenager, who was a pupil at the school.

Jade Anderson, 14, was discovered after being attacked by dogs at a house in Chaucer Grove, Atherton.

It is thought that she was alone with four dogs – two of which are believed to be Staffordshire bull terriers, which is not a banned breed – which were later shot by police marksmen. A fifth dog was also contained at the scene.

Superintendent Mark Kenny of Greater Manchester Police said it was a “deeply distressing incident” for everyone involved.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Jade’s family,” he added. “They are understandably devastated by what has happened, as are Jade’s circle of friends.”

The police response will now focus on providing support to the family, establishing the breed of the dogs and exactly what happened at the house, he added.

Lively and smiling

Fred Longworth High School Headteacher Jan Garretts said the school community was “deeply shocked and saddened” by her death.

“Jade was a lively student who always had a smile on her face,” she said. “She loved music and dance and was a regular at our after school dancing club.

Our thoughts continue to be with Jade’s family. They are understandably devastated by what has happened, as are Jade’s circle of friends. Superintendent Mark Kenny

“At what turned out to be her last day at school, Jade was given a progress report by her teachers and was told that everyone was delighted with the progress she was making.

“She will be greatly missed by the school community. Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family and friends at this terrible time.”

Well wishers and members of the community also left flowers and soft toys outside the house on Chaucer Grove. Locals said that Jade was visiting the property to see a friend, Kimberley Concannon, 16, who lives there with her twin Catrina and mother Beverley Concannon.

Her parents live just a few streets away from the the house where the incident happened, but were too upset to talk.

Dangerous dogs?

The teenager’s death has reignited the debate on dangerous dogs and whether some breeds are inherently more dangerous than others.

Superintendent Kenny said that part of part of the police investigation will look at the breed of dogs involved, which have yet to be confirmed.

However dog trainer Rebecca Sidlow told Channel 4 News Reporter Ciaran Jenkins that it is up to dog owners to take reponsibility for their dogs’ behaviour, regardless of the breed.

“More legislation won’t prevent dog attacks,” she told Channel 4 News. “Owners need to take responsibility for their animals.

“I’m very worried about Staffies being bred as status dogs and encouraged to be aggressive. That’s highly dangerous but is becoming increasingly common.”

Police were alerted to attend the house shortly after 2pm on Monday after a report of a teenage girl being seen unconscious, and a number of dogs being out of control. Officers were confronted by dogs that were aggressive and out of control, said Greater Manchester Police.

“With that in mind we still have a small scene at the house and residents will continue to see an increased police presence today and in the coming days,” said Superintendent Kenny.