Heartbreaking final moments of girl who died after family's XL Bully attacked her

Savannah Bentham, aged 10, from North Yorkshire, died from neck injuries after she was attacked by the family's XL Bully at her home in a static caravan, an inquest heard

A 10-year-old girl died from neck injuries after being attacked by her family's XL Bully dog, an inquest heard.

Savannah Bentham was fatally injured by the pet at her home in a static caravan in the village of East Heslerton, near Malton, North Yorkshire, on November 1, a hearing in Northallerton heard today.

Assistant coroner Alison Norton said: "Savannah Bentham, on November 1, 2024, was attacked by a dog at her home address and sustained fatal injuries."

Ms Norton told the three-minute hearing that the provisional cause of death has been determined as neck injuries. She said Savannah was identified by her grandmother. The coroner opened the inquest and then adjourned it to a date to be fixed.

After the tragedy earlier this month, North Yorkshire Police said officers were called to the scene by Yorkshire Ambulance Service at around 4.15pm.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals and a member of the public who came to the family's aid, Savannah died at the scene. An investigation is ongoing and police have said one line of inquiry is the dog's behaviour, to try to find out why it attacked.

In a statement issued by North Yorkshire Police after the incident, the family said: "We are utterly shocked and devastated by what happened to Savannah. We can't believe we have lost our wonderful girl who we love so much."

Police said at the time that all indications suggested it was out of character, and that the girl and the pet had a close and loving relationship. The force said the dog was identified as an XL Bully and was put down by a vet.

A spokesman also said the dog had been with the family for four years and had a Certificate of Exemption under new legislation. It had also been neutered. He stated: "Earlier today (Tuesday 5 November 2024), the dog involved in this tragic incident has been euthanised by a vet. Detailed independent assessments carried out in the days since the incident have confirmed it to be an XL Bully-type breed. The dog had been with the family for four years and had a Certificate of Exemption under the new legislation which came into effect in February 2024."