A family has issued a heartbreaking tribute to their "wonderful girl" who was tragically mauled to death by her family dog. 

Police and paramedics were called to the Malton area at 4.15pm on Friday (November 1) after a 10-year-old girl was left with serious injuries after being bitten by a 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.

She has today (November 4) been named Savannah Bentham from the Malton area, with her family issuing a new statement paying tribute to her. 

They said: "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 be respected while we grieve for Savannah.”

Officers are continuing to investigate all aspects of the incident, with one of the lines of enquiries relating to the behaviour of the dog to help explain, as far as possible, why it attacked the girl.

The police added that 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.

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A post-mortem examination on Savannah took place on Sunday (3 November 2024) evening, with an inquest due to open and adjourn in the coming days.

North Yorkshire Police said: "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."