A four year old boy has been killed after being attacked by a dog at his home in Liverpool. A 64 year old woman also suffered injury in the attack as she attempted to separate the dog from the child.

Police dog handlers and armed response officers were called to the scene. The dog was in the front garden of the property and in a highly agitated when police arrived and the decision was made to shoot the animal.

Chief Superintendent, Steve Ashley, said "This is a tragic incident and a full and thorough investigation will be carried out into the circumstances surrounding this young boy's death.

"Of utmost importance in such incidents is the safety of the public and of police officers."

"When officers arrived at the address the dog was in an agitated state in the front garden of the property and was deemed to be a danger to the public."

"As a result we were left with no other option but to have the animal destroyed quickly and humanely."

"Officers are with the family and our sympathies are with them at this time".

Neighbours expressed their shock at the death of the young child but say that there is a problem with “dangerous dogs” in the area and this has been reported to the Housing Association.

One neighbour said “There are lots of dangerous-type dogs around here. You always see young lads with pit bull dogs roaming around.

"I have a dog myself and when I take him for a walk sometimes it's quite terrifying because you think your dog is going to be attacked."

Another neighbour commented "You see them all the time, they are huge animals and it is very threatening". The breed of the dog has yet to be identified.