Tests reveal breed of dog that mauled toddler to death as investigation continues

Tests have revealed that the dog that mauled a 17-month-old girl to death was not a banned breed.

Bella-Rae Birch tragically died after being attacked by the dog in her own home in Blackbrook, St Helens, on Monday. The dog had only been bought by the family a week before the horrifying incident.

In an update issued yesterday (Thursday), Merseyside Police said that tests on the dog - which was put down after the attack - have revealed it was an American Bully XL. This is a legal breed which is not subject to any prohibitions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, police said.

READ MORE: Heartbroken mum pays tribute to ‘gorgeous blue-eyed baby girl’ mauled to death by a dog at home

An investigation is ongoing as Bella-Rae's family are supported by specialist officers. In a statement issued through police, the tot's family said she 'will never be forgotten'.

The statement read: "As a family we would like to thank the community for their support. We would ask that we are now allowed some space and time to try and come to terms with the tragic loss of our much-loved Bella-Rae. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten."

Bella-Rae's mum Treysharn Bates also set up a GoFundMe page in honour of her daughter, CheshireLive has reported. On the page, she wrote: "On the 21st of March we sadly lost our gorgeous blue eyed baby girl, who was just one Years of age, in a tragic sudden accident.

"We are now in a position where we need to raise funds towards the most beautiful send off. Every little will help, every little is appreciated. Thank you everyone."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via the social media desk on Twitter at Merseyside Police Contact Centre or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook,