Dog was banned under Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Police in Lancashire have confirmed that the dog that attacked and killed an 11-month-old girl in Blackburn on Monday, was a pit bull terrier, banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

A post mortem examination is due to be carried out today on Ava-Jayne Corless, who was mauled by the dog at a house in Emily Street on Monday night.

The RSPCA confirmed it had twice been called to the address in the past two years – but said there were no children living at the address at the time.

"We are extremely saddened to hear about this incident and our thoughts are with the family of the baby girl involved," said an RSPCA statement.

"Two years ago the RSPCA was contacted about a cat which had been attacked and died after going into a garden at this address. There was no suggestion that the incident was anything other than an accident and no further action was taken.

"Later that year the RSPCA was again contacted regarding concerns for the health of a litter of puppies at the address. An officer attended and the dogs were all under veterinary care and receiving the treatment they required. Two puppies were signed over to the RSPCA, which were subsequently found new homes.

"There were no children living at the address at that time."

Emergency services were called to the address at around 11pm on Monday.

Police officers and paramedics performed CPR on Ava-Jayne but she died a short time later at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The pit bull terrier was destroyed at the scene, a police spokesman said.

"This is an absolutely horrific incident in which a baby girl lost her life and we would like to take this opportunity to express our sympathy to the wider family," a police statement said.

Her mother, Chloe King, 20, and partner Lee Wright, 26, have both been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and manslaughter.

They have since been released on bail while a police investigation continues.