Child mauled to death by dog in quiet cul-de-sac - armed police in 'standoff' with beasts as one destroyed

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The child is believed to have died as a result of a dog bite, the force said.Residents of the cul-de-sac said they were in shock as they described the scene.One resident, who lives on the street with his daughter and grandchildren, told The Northern Echo: It's absolutely heartbreaking, I cannot believe it.You never expect anything so horrific to happen in your area.Armed officers attended the scene, killing one dog and recovering a second.The man, describing the scene, said: Police swarmed the street around 1.30pm, I think, and there was a proper standoff with the dogs and then one was shot dead.I cannot imagine what that family are going through.One woman said there were around 10 armed officers at the standoff.HORROR ATTACKS - READ MORE:RSPCA finds 250 ‘frightened’ dogs crammed into ONE house in ‘shocking’ discoveryPensioner, 65, bitten in the face by WOLF on German high streetFour alpacas mauled to death by Rottweilers while two others seriously injuredShe said: There were around 10 armed policemen and so many cars and vans.I think everyone just went straight inside because the dogs had got out and were running all over the police having a proper stand off.Another woman said the incident was surreal.She said: I am in utter shock - it was just surreal, all of it. I hope everyone involved is okay, it is such a tragic incident.A man, who lives on a nearby road, said kids were everywhere during the incident, adding that it sounded horrendous.Emily Harrison, the District Commander for Redcar and Cleveland said: Understandably this is a distressing and tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child’s family.There is a scene in place at the address while an investigation into the child’s death begins.I would encourage anyone who has concerns or information to please speak to an officer.Those with information are encouraged to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or by visiting their website and quoting reference number 066204. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter