Sometimes life throws unimaginable horrors right in the heart of a neighborhood you think you know.
That was the case yesterday evening in Denton, Greater Manchester, when a peaceful family home turned into the scene of a nightmare.
A young baby girl was seriously attacked by the family dog, leaving the community stunned and deeply shaken by what unfolded in an otherwise quiet street.
The Horrific Attack That Left a Baby Severely Injured
The distressing incident happened inside the family’s flat on Baslow Road.
Police have since confirmed the one-year-old baby suffered “serious and life-changing injuries” to her face after the dog suddenly went out of control.
Witnesses say the screams of the baby’s mother could be heard from outside as the terrifying attack took place.
Both the baby’s 21-year-old mother and her grandfather, aged 53, were also injured and later seen covered in blood on the street outside.
Family Members Hospitalized but Adults’ Injuries Not Life-Threatening
All three victims—the baby, her mother, and grandfather—were rushed to hospital.
While the baby’s injuries are critical, the adults’ wounds were described as serious but thankfully not life-threatening or permanently damaging.
In a heartbreaking decision, the dog was put down by specialist handlers after being removed from the scene, putting an end to the traumatic ordeal.
Neighbors Recall the Chaos and Police Response
Those living nearby described the scene as terrifying.
One neighbor said they heard the mother’s screams followed by shouting and banging.
Police arrived quickly and were forced to take control of the dog, which had clearly become dangerous.
Emma Hill, a mother of three, recalled seeing the baby’s grandfather outside covered in blood, and the mother looking utterly traumatized.
“I didn’t even know they had a dog,” she said. “It’s just terrifying.”
Another neighbor, Alan Hughes, said police urged families to keep their children inside while officers prepared to shoot the dog.
He believes the dog belonged to the grandfather and described the young mother as “very loving,” showing the human side of the tragedy.
Emergency Services Acted Swiftly With Armed Police and Air Ambulance
Greater Manchester Police, along with armed officers and paramedics, responded promptly to calls about an out-of-control dog around 5:50 pm.
The baby was airlifted to Manchester Royal Infirmary by air ambulance, highlighting the severity of her injuries.
Police Appeal for Witnesses and Ongoing Investigation
Detective Superintendent Gareth Jenkins expressed the gravity of the incident, emphasizing the profound distress experienced by the family.
He confirmed officers remain at the scene to piece together exactly what happened and urged anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or mobile footage from Baslow Road yesterday to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Community Left in Shock as Emergency Services Work Late Into the Night
Locals gathered outside the police cordon as emergency teams worked through the night.
Many described the scene as harrowing, with multiple people seen injured and visibly covered in blood.
One resident said, “There were others who looked hurt.
Armed police and a dog unit went in with guns.”
The presence of a lone officer guarding the flat today serves as a reminder of the tragic event that has left Denton deeply unsettled.