Nine-month-old baby killed in dog attack after animal 'spooked by fireworks'
Cops are working to establish the breed of the dog, which reportedly attacked the child on Sunday night after fireworks were "let off" nearby.
A nine-month old baby has been killed in a dog attack after fireworks set off nearby "spooked" the animal.
The alarm was raised at around 6pm on Sunday, November 2 when emergency services, including police and paramedics, rushed to a property in the village of Rogiet, near Caldicot in Monmouthshire, south-east Wales.
The dog was seized and removed, according to Gwent Police. Officials have not yet confirmed the breed of the dog.
The dog got "agitated" after someone "set off fireworks near the house," according to one resident.
Caroline Knight, 53, who lives in Rogiet, told The Sun: "Someone was letting fireworks off near the house and the dog was agitated by them and must have panicked and gone for the baby.
“My thoughts are with the family today. It is absolutely heartbreaking. A terrible, terrible tragedy."
Peter Strong, a Rogiet county councillor, said the village was in mourning, according to the Mirror.
He told BBC Radio Wales: "It's a deep and profound sense of shock that such a thing should happen in amidst our quiet community. A baby is a deep source of joy and love and to lose a baby in these circumstances is just awful."
Strong asked local people to "stay calm" and give the family the "space they need to grieve in peace".
Elsewhere, Chief Superintendent John Davies said assured the community that offers were on scene.
He encouraged people to get in touch if they felt scared or anxious following the tragedy.
"We understand that there will be concerns around this incident, but officers are on scene and will be making further enquiries as the investigation progresses," Superintendent Davies said.
"If you have concerns or information then please do stop and talk with us."
No arrests have yet been made.
Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic dog attack that occurred in Rogiet yesterday evening.
"My thoughts are with the loved ones of the nine-month-old child who lost their life.
"I have spoken to Gwent Police, who are carrying out a full investigation into the incident.
"I also want to thank the emergency services for their swift response."
She added: "I know that the close-knit Rogiet community, and all of us across Monmouthshire, will pull together at this most difficult time."
Anyone with information has been asked to call the police on 101, quoting log reference 2500349915.
Gwent Police's statement continued: "You can also send us a direct message on Facebook or X.
"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111."