The Birch family, who adored the idea of a jovial canine companion in their midst, recently acquired a new dog for their household. Little did they know that their seemingly happy addition would lead to a heart-wrenching tragedy, as the innocent seventeen-month-old Bella-Rae Birch fell victim to a savage mauling, ultimately claiming her life and leaving her family shattered.
This heartbreaking incident unfolded one fateful Monday afternoon within the Birch family’s residence on Bidston Avenue, located in the Blackbrook area of St Helens, Merseyside, in the United Kingdom. The gruesome attack took place around 3:50 p.m., casting a shadow of sorrow over the household. The severely injured baby girl was rushed to the nearest hospital, but despite desperate efforts, she succumbed to the injuries inflicted by the dog.
Outside the family home, distraught mother Treysharn Bates was seen in a state of utter distress, her tears flowing uncontrollably as she grappled with the devastating reality. Witnessing the anguish of the Birch family, friends and neighbors came bearing flowers, offering solace and expressing their profound love for the cherished Bella-Rae. Their message was clear: Little Bella-Rae would forever hold a special place in their hearts, her memory enduring.
Taking to social media, Bella-Rae’s family poured out their grief, describing the seventeen-month-old as “much loved” and emphasizing that she would be deeply missed but never forgotten. In an official statement released through the police, they extended gratitude to the community for their support, pleading for the space and time to process the tragic loss of their beloved Bella-Rae.
The dog responsible for the horrifying attack has been euthanized, prompting authorities to delve into the history of the animal and investigate whether it violated the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. Neighbors identified the breed of the dog as potentially either a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or a Pitbull Terrier.
A nearby trainee paramedic, known only as Jordan, returned home to a shocking scene, with approximately twenty police cars lining the street. Without hesitation, she rushed to provide CPR to the injured infant until on-duty paramedics arrived to take over.
Recalling the traumatic moment, Jordan said, “I arrived in my car after picking up my kids from school. I heard screams and immediately rushed over to help. It was chaos, with people everywhere, crying and screaming. The baby was in critical condition, so I initiated CPR for around 30 seconds until paramedics arrived. The parents were in a state of hysteria. I didn’t see the dog; we usually don’t go up there. I’m still processing how I feel about it.”
In a statement, Merseyside Police Superintendent Steve Brizell expressed profound condolences, acknowledging the unimaginable tragedy that had befallen Bella-Rae. His thoughts were firmly with the grieving family and the wider community during this heart-wrenching time.