Friday, 29 Mar 2024

Cornwall dog attack: Nine-year-old victim named – first pictures

The schoolboy was killed while enjoying his Easter holiday break with his family at Tencreek Holiday Park in Looe, Cornwall yesterday.  His mother Tawnee Willis was in a neighbouring caravan with the dog’s owner when the attack happened, The Mirror Online reports. Holidaymakers said they woke up to her screams as she cried: “The dog’s attacked my boy.”

It has been confirmed Frankie was alone in the caravan at the time he was attacked.

He is body was found by police at 5am on Saturday morning.

Frankie’s family and the dog owner were well known to each other and all from the Plymouth area, police confirmed. 

Three hours after the attack, a 28-year-old woman was arrested and detained on suspicion of her dog being dangerously out of control and manslaughter.

She was released this morning after being quizzed by police for 24 hours.

One holidaymaker saw the distressed mum crying hysterically as paramedics tried to save the boy.

Tributes have been paid to the schoolboy by family and friends.

The single mum posted a crying emoji on a relative’s Facebook page last night.

She also posted the last of her and Frankie with the caption: “Caravan life with my babes”.

Last year she wrote on her Facebook page: “Mumma’s boy always.

“Anyone who actually knows me knows how much I care about this kid and would walk to the end of the earth for him.”

A family friend wrote on Facebook today: “Rip little man. I still see that little cheeky smile you had.” 

The “bulldog-type breed” remains in kennels as the investigation continues.

Mike West, Detective Superintendent from the D&C Major Crime Investigation Team said: “This is a desperately sad event which has seen a 9-year-old boy lose his life whilst on holiday. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the loved ones of Frankie and all of those who knew him.

“I also wish to recognise those who came to his aid at the scene. Members of the public and emergency services staff who had to work in deeply upsetting conditions.

“We appreciate that this case will shock and upset the public, however, we urge the public not to apportion blame on this tragic incident, and to allow us to do our job and to fully investigate this matter.

“Please do not speculate via social media. There is a good chance that this will be seen by those who knew and loved Frankie and speculation will only lead to further upset.

“The woman that we arrested in connection to this matter has been released under investigation and the dog remains in kennels. 

“We ask that those who knew Frankie are given the space needed to come to terms with what happened.”

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