POLICE IN MANCHESTER say they are offering support to the family of a 14-year-old girl who was found dead at a house in Atherton this afternoon.

The teenager’s body was discovered alongside five dogs who were later described as “aggressive and out of control”. Her injuries were consistent with being attacked by canines.

Officers attended the address on Chaucer Grove following a report of a teenage girl being seen unconscious and a number of dogs being “out of control”.

As part of their response to the incident, four dogs – understood to be bull mastiffs and Staffordshire bull terriers - were humanely destroyed by armed officers. They will now be examined as part of the investigation.

The fifth dog was inside the house and securely contained throughout.

The girl is believed to have been visiting the address and nobody else was present.

Superintendent Mark Kenny said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life. Specialist officers are offering them every support.

“While our enquiries to find out what happened are ongoing, this girl’s injuries are consistent with her having been attacked by dogs.

“I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned, including the community, and we will work hard to establish the full circumstances that lead to this tragedy.

“There will be a significant police presence in the area, which will remain this evening. We will be there to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have.”

A cat, a ‘beware of the dog’ sign and a floral tribute outside the house in Chaucer Grove, Atherton. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images)

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