A three-week-old baby boy has died after being bitten by a dog at a home in England's northeast.
Police have arrested and are questioning a 30-year-old man who was inside the Sunderland property when the attack took place early on Saturday.
The baby boy was rushed to hospital but died a short time later, police said.
A relative told local media that although the baby's mother was out, the youngster had not been left alone.
The man, who did not want to be named, said the dog - believed to be a small terrier - was usually kept outside and was never left alone with the children despite it being a good natured animal.
He said the family was devastated and wanted to know how the attack could have happened.
Northumbria Police said the dog has been removed from the address and is likely to be destroyed.
A police spokesman said the 30-year-old man who was inside the property at the time of the attack had been arrested and was helping police with their inquiries.
Superintendent Gillian Mitchell said, "Our thoughts are with the family of the baby at this difficult time. We have officers supporting them and will continue to do so throughout our inquiries.
"We recognise this incident is concerning for residents and officers will remain in the area to offer residents reassurance and answer any questions they may have.
"The family dog was quickly taken from the house and is now in secure kennels."
A number of bunches of flowers and messages of support have been laid against the front wall of the house in the quiet, tree-lined street.
Neighbours said they were shocked by what happened and said the mother, who has two other children living with her, had been overjoyed by the baby's recent birth.
One told the BBC: "I know what I feel like and she must be worse. It's such a shock. I can't get over it."
Share
