A young child has died after being attacked by a dog in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui yesterday.
According to police, emergency services were called to an address on Basingstoke Street at around 4.45pm following reports a child had sustained dog bite injuries.
A "young child" was found in a critical condition at the scene.
"Despite the immediate efforts of first responders and a member of the household, the child sadly died at the scene," Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said.
Overend said the dog involved was known to the occupants of the address and lived there.
Police remained at the scene last night as investigators carried out a scene examination.
"Enquiries into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident are ongoing," Overend said.
"Occupants of the address are assisting police with enquiries.
"Police extend their condolences to the child's family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected."
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