Family of little girl killed by dog say they've been ‘overwhelmed with love’ since tragedy

The family of the little girl who was mauled to death by her dog say they have been 'overwhelmed with love' and support since the tragic incident.

Alice Stones, from Milton Keynes, was brutally attacked by the dog at her home on Tuesday (31 January).

At the time, neighbours reported hearing screams coming from the four-year-old's home in Broadlands, Netherfield, with a woman shouting, 'My baby, she’s dead!'

Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Alice was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are now trying to determine the breed of the dog responsible.

Since the attack, a GoFundMe has been set up in Alice's name, with the money raised going towards her funeral.

It says: "Sadly, on the 31st January 2023, this world lost a beautiful little 4 year old girl (pictured on the right) to a tragic, awful accident.

PA Images/Alamy

"We are the close friends and family of this loving mother and daughter, we are seeking support in raising money to help towards cost of funeral and living in this desperate time of need.

"Anything that can be contributed will go towards supporting mum and family getting the help and support necessary in order to make this the most special and beautiful send off this little princess deserves."

So far, over £3,000 has been raised for Alice's family.

And in an update to the page, a friend said the family have been overwhelmed by the wave of support it has received.

"The family of the little girl want to thank everyone who has donated, shared or sent their condolences during this horrendous time," the update reads.

"Nothing has gone unnoticed and they are overwhelmed with the love felt by the community during this unthinkable tragedy."

PA Images/Alamy

Earlier this week, neighbours recalled the horrifying screams they heard coming from the house during the attack.

“At first I thought the noise was from someone’s telly but it just went on and on, like a high-pitched squeal,” one resident said.

“My friend who lives nearer the house says she heard a woman shouting ‘My baby, she’s dead, she’s dead’ over and over. It’s just awful.”

Another said: "It was absolutely terrifying and I locked my front and back doors just in case. At that stage I didn’t know they were after a dog."

You can donate to the GoFundMe here.

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers is the News/Agenda Desk Lead, covering the latest trends and breaking stories. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History, he went on to write for the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express. So as you can imagine, he’s spent many a night wondering just how useful that second language has been. But c'est la vie.

@SmithersDom