Malton girl, 10, mauled to death by pet XL Bully dog pictured as 'lovely little lass'

Schoolgirl Savannah Bentham, 10, was killed erstwhile her household dog, an American Bully XL, attacked her astatine her household location successful Malton, Yorkshire, astatine the weekend

A "wonderful" schoolgirl mauled to death by her family’s favored dog has been pictured for the archetypal time.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed connected Sunday a ten-year-old young miss died pursuing a canine onslaught incidental successful Malton, Yorkshire, connected Friday. Yesterday, the young unfortunate was identified arsenic Savannah Bentham and she has present been pictured for the archetypal time.

The canine progressive successful the attack, an American Bully XL, volition beryllium destroyed. Her household said successful a statement: "We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah.

"We can’t judge we person mislaid our fantastic miss who we emotion truthful much. We convey everyone for their enactment and kindness arsenic we conflict to travel to presumption with our loss. We inquire that our family’s privateness is respected portion we grieve for Savannah.”

North Yorkshire Police were called to the incidental by Yorkshire Ambulance Service astatine astir 4.15pm connected Friday. The unit said her household are being supported by specially trained officers.

A spokesperson said: "Despite the efforts of aesculapian professionals and a subordinate of the nationalist who came to the family’s aid, the miss sadly died astatine the scene. Officers are conducting elaborate enquiries covering each aspects of the incident.

"One of the lines of enquiry relates to the behaviour of the canine to assistance explain, arsenic acold arsenic possible, wherefore it attacked the girl. All indications truthful acold suggest it was out-of-character, with Savannah and the canine having a close, loving relationship. Due to the circumstances of the incident, the canine volition beryllium destroyed."