THE MP for Ryedale has said the death of a 10-year-old girl who was killed by her family's dog is an 'unimaginable tragedy'.

Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton said his thoughts are with the girl's loved ones as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident at her home near Malton.

Mr Hollinrake said: "It’s an utterly unimaginable tragedy and our thoughts are with the little girls family and loved ones. I would also like to thank our emergency services who do an incredible job in such distressing and harrowing circumstances. When the time is right, we need to look at the rules around dangerous dogs to reduce and, ideally, eliminate the possibility of this kind of situation occurring in the future."

Police said all indications so far suggest the attack was out-of-character, with the girl and dog having a close, loving relationship.

Due to the circumstances of the incident, the dog will be destroyed.

A spokesperson said: North Yorkshire Police is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl in the Malton area.

"She suffered serious injuries after being bitten by the family’s dog while at home at around 4.15pm on Friday (1 November 2024).

"Despite the efforts of medical professionals and a member of the public who came to the family’s aid, the girl sadly died at the scene.

"Officers are conducting detailed enquiries covering all aspects of the incident.

"One of the lines of enquiry relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl.

"All indications so far suggest it was out-of-character, with the girl and dog having a close, loving relationship.

"Due to the circumstances of the incident, the dog will be destroyed.

"A post-mortem examination of the girl is taking place this (Sunday 3 November 2024) evening.

"We are not yet in a position to name the girl at this time. She will be formally identified in due course.

"Further updates will be posted on the force website and social media channels.

"In the meantime, we again urge people not to speculate about the incident and to respect the family’s wish for privacy to grieve in peace.

2Our officers are continuing to support the family while enquiries continue."