‘Happy & caring’ boy, 3, pictured after he was mauled to death by dog as cops destroy beast after ‘string of warnings’
THE family of a three-year-old boy who was mauled to death by an out-of-control dog have paid tribute to their "happy little boy".
Daniel John Twigg died in hospital following an incident at a countryside house of horrors in Milnrow, Greater Manchester, on Sunday afternoon.
Police say the tragedy is being treated as a criminal investigation, and a 48-year-old man has been arrested following an alleged string of "incidents of note" at the address.
Today his parents and close family told of the pain of their loss.
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They said: "Daniel was a happy, kind and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him.
"He loved Paw Patrol and playing with his brother and sister, he also loved being around animals - especially his pony, Splash.
"He brought us many laughs and was a comical character.
"He was brave, intelligent and full of many characteristics.
"Daniel loved being with his whole family and will be missed by all.
"On behalf of our family, we ask people to respect our privacy."
He continues to be quizzed on suspicion of an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
A huge cane corso - an Italian mastiff breed that can weigh up to seven-and-a-half stone - has been destroyed.
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The breed's bite is almost three times more forceful than that of a pitbull or an American bulldog, and some owners say it is strong enough to kill a wolf in a fight.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police said this morning that Daniel was with a number of dogs outside his home before he was found fatally injured.
Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “I send my condolences to Daniel’s loved ones.
"This is a heart-breaking time for them, and specially-trained colleagues are supporting them.
"Though a man is in custody, our investigation is very much ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and ensure any criminal offences in relation to Sunday’s incident are identified and prosecutions sought.
"Meanwhile, officers are also reviewing other incidents of note.
"Due to previous contact, GMP’s Professional Standards Branch has referred the incident for review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
"We understand that this incident has had an impact on the community but we ask members of the public and the media to refrain from speculating whilst we complete our investigation and any subsequent proceedings are concluded."
The property bears a red and white sign warning "dogs are loose" on a rusty fence.
Forensics tents have also been put up in the garden of the house as investigations continue.
Locals alleged they have been attacked by dogs living at the home before. Kia Walker, 19, claims to have sustained severe bite marks to her arm as she strolled past in April 2021.
Two weeks later, police seized two dogs - which eyewitnesses claim are Tibetan Mastiffs - and stolen machinery worth £50,000.
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Anyone with information should share it via 0161 856 7386 quoting Operation Guernsey.
Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
