Malton area: Tribute paid to 10-year-old girl killed by family’s dog

Update...

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.

It had also been neutered in line with the legislation.

To aid the report for the Coroner, an autopsy is due to take place on the dog to help determine if there were any medical factors involved.

These findings will be outlined at the inquest into the death of Savannah Bentham in due course.

Our officers are continuing to support the family.

We again urge people not to speculate about the incident and to respect the family’s wish for privacy to grieve in peace.

Please note: A formal complaint is being made by the family to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) after some media outlets published a photograph taken from a family member’s private social media account. The family is distraught by this gross intrusion into their grief.   

 

Issued on Monday 4 November 2024...

The 10-year-old girl who tragically died at home after being bitten by her family’s dog can now be named as Savannah Bentham from the Malton area.

Savannah’s family has issued the following statement via North Yorkshire Police:

“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.”

North Yorkshire Police were called to the incident by Yorkshire Ambulance Service at around 4.15pm on Friday (1 November 2024).

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.

Officers are conducting detailed enquiries covering all aspects of the incident.

One of the lines of enquiry relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl.

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.

A post-mortem examination on Savannah took place on Sunday (3 November 2024) evening.

An inquest is due to open and adjourn in the coming days.

Our officers are continuing to support the family while enquiries continue.

We again urge people not to speculate about the incident and to respect the family’s wish for privacy to grieve in peace.

• A photograph of Savannah is NOT being released

 

Issued on Sunday 3 November 2024...

Malton area: Investigation continues after 10-year-old girl is killed by family’s dog

North Yorkshire Police is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl in the Malton area.

She suffered serious injuries after being bitten by the family’s dog while at home at around 4.15pm on Friday (1 November 2024).

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.

Officers are conducting detailed enquiries covering all aspects of the incident.

One of the lines of enquiry relates to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl.

All indications so far suggest it was out-of-character, with the girl and dog having a close, loving relationship.

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

A post-mortem examination of the girl is taking place this (Sunday 3 November 2024) evening.

We are not yet in a position to name the girl at this time. She will be formally identified in due course.

Further updates will be posted on the force website and social media channels.

In the meantime, we again urge people not to speculate about the incident and to respect the family’s wish for privacy to grieve in peace.

Our officers are continuing to support the family while enquiries continue.

 

 

Statement issued on Saturday 2 November 2024...

Malton area: Investigation under way after girl dies from dog bite injuries

A 10-year-old girl has died after being bitten by her family’s dog.

North Yorkshire Police were called to the incident by Yorkshire Ambulance Service at around 4.15pm on Friday 1 November.

It happened inside the family’s home in the Malton area.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals and a member of the public who came to the family’s aid, tragically, the girl died at the scene after suffering serious injuries.  

Following the incident, the dog was secured inside a car by a family member prior to the arrival of the emergency services. It was then seized by officers who took it to secure kennels where it remains at this time.

The dog is being assessed as part of the investigation.

Our thoughts remain with the girl’s family and friends at this very distressing time. Officers are supporting the family while enquiries 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.