TRIBUTES have poured in for a "beautiful" baby girl who was killed after a "bull terrier" the family got a week ago attacked her at home.

Bella-Rae Birch, one, was mauled by the family's pet dog at their home in St Helens, Merseyside, and died in hospital from her horrific injuries yesterday evening.

The tragic tot celebrated her first birthday in October last year with her 'loving' parents.

Disaster struck on Monday afternoon when the 17-month-old was savaged by the family's out-of-control dog.

Emergency services rushed to the home in Blackbrook, St Helens, just before 4pm yesterday.

The tot was found with serious injuries following the vicious dog attack – and little Bella was taken to hospital.

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But the girl died of her injuries a short time later.

Her family are said to be "devastated" by her death and had only purchased the dog just a week ago, police announced.

They confirmed the hound was seized by police and then humanely destroyed.

An investigation is now underway to find out who the previous owner of the dog was.

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And cops are looking into whether the dog was an illegal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

Eye-witnesses described seeing the Staffordshire terrier-type dog being taken away from the house.

One neighbour, who didn’t wish to be named, told The Sun Online: “It was a stocky dog.

“It looked like a Staffie from the back. I saw the police bringing it out and putting it the back of a van.”

She added: “It’s a shame what’s happened. The little girl used to play football in the street, I can’t believe I won’t see her any more."

Another neighbour Joanne Matthews, 53, described the girl, named locally as Bella-Mae Birch, as a “beautiful little girl”.

She said she’d seen an ambulance and police cars outside the family on Monday before the dog was brought out.

”I saw them bring the dog out,” she said. “I couldn't tell what breed it was but from the back it looked like a Staffordshire bull terrier or pitbull.

"She was such a beautiful little girl, toddling about.

TRAGIC TOT

"I'd see the family in passing, just to say hello, and they were always very pleasant."

One man, who looked visibly upset, said he’d be at the scene shortly after the girl was attacked.

He added: “They're a lovely family and the parents doted on their two children. They were always with them."

Two police officers remained outside the address today where Bella-Rae lived with her mum and dad, named locally as Tracey Bates and Ryan Birch.

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said she got home from the shops at about 4.30pm, when the area was busy with police.

She said: "It is usually very quiet here and safe for children, but when you hear something like this has happened it is so distressing."

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "They were a lovely family, and it's just devastating what has happened.

"The dog had a stocky build, it was a Staffordshire terrier or Pitbull, and it was fully grown. There was only one.

"It's devastating. This is a normal quiet street, and the children would play in the street. The little girl, a toddler, was always about.

"I don't remember seeing anything at all until the ambulance arrived.

"They were a very pleasant family, with two kids."

Speaking yesterday, Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the child’s family at this devastating time.

"The little girl’s parents and wider family are absolutely devastated and our specialist Family Liaison Officers are providing them with support at this horrendous time.

"Whilst we are in the very early stages of the investigation into this extremely tragic incident we can confirm that the dog was only bought by the family a week ago and officers are working to identify the previous owners of the dog concerned and establish its history.

"Our officers will remain on Bidston Avenue this evening and in the coming days to provide reassurance to the local community and we will work tirelessly to establish the full circumstances.

"If you were in the Bidston Avenue area this afternoon and witnessed anything, or have any information about the dog in question then please come forward speak to one of our officers.

"Our officers take the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously.

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"Over the past years we have worked proactively with the five local authorities in Merseyside to ensure prohibited dogs are taken off the streets."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via the social media desk @MerPolCC or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, with reference 22000196837.

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