Girl, 10, killed by pet XL bully dog is named

The 10-year-old girl who died after being bitten by her family’s dog has been named as Savannah Bentham, North Yorkshire Police said.

In a tribute issued through North Yorkshire Police, Savannah’s 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.

“We thank everyone for their support and kindness as we struggle to come to terms with our loss. We ask that our family’s privacy is respected while we grieve for Savannah.”

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North Yorkshire Police were called to the incident by Yorkshire Ambulance Service at around 4.15pm on Friday (1 November 2024) to the village of Malton. Savannah suffered serious injuries after being bitten by the dog.

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', said police as an investigation continues.

Among the lines of inquiry 'relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl', said the force, which continued: "All indications so far suggest it was out-of-character, with Savannah and the dog having a close, loving relationship.

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

Neighbours have recalled the moment her mum screamed 'my baby is dead' after finding her daughter killed in the attack. Savannah, who was described as 'beautiful and intelligent', had been thrilled about the family getting a dog - having previously cared for a bearded dragon lizard.

She told her friends: "I have got a new pet - an XL Bully." Neighbours described her death as a 'horrible tragedy', the Mirror reports.

A neighbour added: "She was such a sweet thing. I only know her because she would come in the park to play. Everybody is totally shocked and upset about it. The family have not lived here long. I have only met her. I have never met her mum and dad.

"She would come on the park and play on the swings and I would pass the time of day with her. She was a lovely little girl - really chatty. It is just so sad."

The incident left residents of the nearby holiday caravan park near Malton, North Yorkshire, in shock, unaware of any trouble until the girl's mother emerged from her home, which is situated on an adjacent field. The family had been living in a static caravan on private land since the summer, possibly related to the landowners, and were believed to be providing security behind a shop premises.

According to The Mail, the girl's father is a mechanic working at the site, and Savannah was their only child. A local farmer has spoken to the Mail, saying: "The dog is an XL bully. It has been certified and is well looked after. It's a very big dog. I've seen it around the pub a few times, it doesn't bother anyone or other dogs and is well-behaved."

They gave a harrowing account of the aftermath, adding: "The mother ran out from the static caravan screaming 'my baby's dead.' Some people from the caravan site went over to help. She was obviously really distraught. The police got here very fast, there were two helicopters, ambulances turned up and an armed response unit. Someone put the dog in a car apparently."

The farmer added: "They are really nice people. The girl is a really polite girl who always says please and thank you. She was a lovely little lass who you would see riding her bike around."

Another witness, who was staying in one of the nearby caravans, had been in a pub on the site at the time of the horror. He told the Mail: "The dead girl was a really beautiful little girl and very intelligent for her age."

An official from the caravan site also commented on the family and the dog, saying: "We knew they had an XL bully dog. We only knew Savannah because her mum had asked if she could play in the park and we said 'Of course she can'.

"Savannah told us she had a new dog. It was not that long ago. We used to come onto the park and play with the other children."

However, they noted some concerns: "I have never seen or heard the dog and I am here every day. There have been a couple of incidents when people had seen the dog come as far as the yard gate without any muzzle or lead on and that was a bit scary. Savannah had said herself 'We have got a new pet'. Other children who played with Savannah in the yard said it was a family pet."

The static caravan arrived during the summer in a field next to the Snooty Fox caravan park outside the village of East Heslerton. North Yorkshire Police were called to the incident at 4.15pm on Friday but sadly the girl's injuries were too severe and she died at the scene. They told reporters Savannah had a "close, loving relationship" with the dog, which will now be put down.

A family member managed to secure the dog in a car before emergency services arrived. The dog, believed to be a bully breed, was later seized by officers and taken to secure kennels where it remains while its breed is being assessed as part of the investigation.

Caravan site manager Samantha Robinson told the Mail that the family had moved there in the static caravan roughly four months ago and Savannah was "a lovely little girl, she asked permission to play on the swings in the park and we gave it," and that she had told her she had a new pet, the American XL Bully.

The girl had been seen playing on the swings in the play area of the adjoining caravan park the afternoon before the horror took place. North Yorkshire Police said: "Our thoughts remain with the girl's family and friends at this very distressing time.

"Officers are supporting the family while inquiries continue. We also urge people not to speculate about the incident, respect the family's privacy and allow them to grieve in peace. We will provide more information when we are able to."

Tributes have flooded in on social media for the youngster, with one woman posting on Facebook: "Such sad news. My heart goes out to the family. RIP." Another said: "Rest peacefully young lady condolences to all concerned."

The child's death is the latest in a spate of fatal dog attacks in England and Wales this year. Over the past 10 months, at least seven deaths have been reported of children and adults bitten or injured by dogs.

Since February, it has become a criminal offence to own an XL bully without a certificate. The Office for National Statistics reports that there were 30 deaths caused by dog attacks in 2023, more than double the total deaths recorded in 2022.