Man Arrested After Baby Dies in Dog Attack in Redcar

A 45-year-old man has been arrested after a three-month-old girl died from injuries sustained in a dog attack at a residence on Hardale Drive in Dormanstown, Redcar, on Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed.

According to Cleveland Police, armed officers responded to the incident, where one dog was put down on the street at the scene. A second dog was seized from the home and subsequently destroyed by authorities. The police stated that the child’s death is currently being treated as the result of a dog bite, and investigations are ongoing.

In addition to the fatality, a 31-year-old woman also suffered a dog bite injury and received treatment at a hospital, according to police and the North East Ambulance Service. Emergency services were dispatched to the private address shortly before 1:30 p.m., including three ambulance crews, a clinical team leader, and a duty officer, a spokesperson for the ambulance service reported.

The arrested man was detained on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. He was questioned and has been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.

Neither of the dogs involved was assessed by a specialist officer as a prohibited breed under current legislation, police stated. Chief Superintendent Rachel Stockdale of Cleveland Police expressed condolences to the family and called for privacy for those affected, noting a continued scene presence at the property and urging anyone with information, mobile or dashcam footage to come forward.

The investigation remains active, with a visible police presence at the location and appeals for any witnesses or relevant video evidence.