BOY DIES AFTER DOG ATTACK, ASH GROVE, WAVERTREE

FOLLOWING a tragic incident and our thoughts are with John Paul’s family at this time. The emergency services were call to Ashgrove, Wavertree just before 12.30 this morning following reports that a child had been attacked by a dog. 4 year old John Paul’s grandmother, Helen Foulkes. Whilst police officers contained the dog at the front of the house paramedics entered through the back door of the house, but were unfortunately unable to save John Paul’s life. John Paul’s 13 year old brother was also in the house at the time of the attack but is uninjured, although deeply traumatised by the incident.

Dog handlers and armed response officers attended the scene the dog was clearly agitated and, after an initial safety assessment, it was decided that the dog should be humanely destroyed.

On 2 December 2009 after an extensive examinations and a post mortem an independent expert has confirmed that, in his opinion, the dog involved in the incident in Ash Grove, Wavertree yesterday is a pit bull terrier type dog, a section 1 dog, which is classified as a dangerous dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

Further forensic tests on the dog are still being carried out and investigations into the attack are ongoing.

Deputy Chief Constable, Patricia Gallan, of Merseyside Police said:- "Our thoughts remain with John Paul's family at this time following his tragic death. A child's life has been lost and it is essential that we determine the exact circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigations into the incident are continuing. Ascertaining the type of dog involved in this attack has been a complex issue. It has taken some time to complete the examinations and post mortem before we have been able to confirm that it is an illegal type of dog. We are conducting a criminal investigation. On behalf of Merseyside Police, I am deeply concerned and very disappointed that our policy was not followed in February when we received a call alerting us to the possible breeding of pit bull terriers at the house where the attack took place. This is clearly unacceptable and we are sorry that Merseyside Police did not take the appropriate course of action at that time. As a matter of urgency we began an immediate internal investigation to establish exactly what led to that call not being brought to the attention of our specialist dog unit. Given the seriousness of this situation, and our failure to follow our own procedure, we have referred this case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission who will be carrying out an independent investigation. We take the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously and there is no place for them on the streets of Merseyside. During the last three years, with Liverpool City Council, we have taken action to take dangerous dogs off the streets. We are determined to continue our work to ensure the safety of people living, working and visiting Merseyside. I would urge anyone who has concerns about a dangerous dog to contact us."

BRITISH TROOPS RISK FAILURE SAYS MEP

A North West Euro-MP Chris Davies believes that the surge in troop numbers being sent to Afghanistan may help achieve some success in battles but they will not win the war.  The Liberal Democrat argues that the principal aim of the show of military strength should be to bring the Taleban to the negotiating table and involve them in government. 

Euro-MP Chris Davies said that:- "As we move forward the Taleban can fall back and disappear. It's their country, and they can reappear later to attack our extended supply lines. Nothing announced by Gordon Brown this week will make British streets any safer. Our military occupation of Afghanistan invites resistance and can be used to justify attacks by militants against us."

CCTV APPEAL - WOMAN ROBBED IN HIGHTOWN, MERSEYSIDE

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives are investigating the assault and robbery of a woman in Hightown have released these CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in relation to the incident.

The 19 year old victim was walking down School Road having got off a train at Hightown railway station when she was approached from behind by a man, who dragged her to the floor and personal belongings stolen from her.

The offender then fled on foot in the direction of School Lane towards the train station.

The victim was not physically injured but has been left extremely shaken and upset by the incident, which happened on Wednesday, 18 November 2009.

Shortly before the incident at 8pm, she had been travelling on the Southport-bound Northern Line train and detectives are eager to speak to the man pictured in the foreground of these CCTV images, who was on the train with the victim.

Detective Inspector Dave Keegan, of Copy Lane CID, said:- "This was a very unpleasant robbery of a young woman walking home from the train station on her own. She has been left really traumatised by what happened to her and we are determined to catch the person responsible. The CCTV footage of a man who could be very important to our investigation is very clear and we are confident someone who gets that train regularly or lives in the local area will recognise him. I would urge them to come forward and speak to the police and help us with our enquiries."

Anyone with information is asked to call Copy Lane CID on:- 0151 777 3165 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.