Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Boy , 11, ‘KILLED IN DOG ATTACK’
Youngster dies after being rushed to hospital with ‘lacerations’
POLICE are investigating if a dog attack led to the death of a boy at his home yesterday afternoon.
The 11-year-old died after being rushed to hospital with “lacerations” from the Queens Avenue property in Glengormley, Co Antrim.
A neighbour who saw him being taken away said: “The place was in chaos. They took him out on one of those trolleys and there was blood
everywhere. When they put him into the ambulance they were trying to resucitate him.
“It looked as if he was gone.”
It is understood the boy lived in the house with his dad and his dad’s partner, as well as a younger brother, and was a student at Ashgrove Primary School. The family is believed to be Polish.
A stunned neighbour, who lives just a few doors away, said the estate had been left in absolute shock.
She told the Mirror: “People are heartbroken about what’s happened to the wee boy.
“He always said ‘hello’ to me when he walked past. If he was out the front he’d have been chittering away to you.
“I would have asked him if he liked living here and he was always out playing football with his friends.
“It’s just heartbreaking that this has happened. They are nice people, I couldn’t say a word about them. More than polite.”
SDLP councillor Noreen Mcclelland visited the scene yesterday.
She told the Mirror:
“This is tragic news. I am sure the whole community is grieving and the family, I’m sure, are distraught.
“There are just no words. The local community will be trying to take in this dreadful news.
“We’re just waiting for further information from the police.” Councillor John Blair also offered his condolences.
The Alliance representative said: “Having had close ties with the area, I am shocked and deeply saddened for the community as a whole as they come to terms with what has happened on their doorstep.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of this young boy who tragically lost his life today, as the police continue to search for answers as to how this happened. “I would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to the PSNI as soon as possible.”
A PSNI spokesman said last night: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of an 11-yearold boy at a house in the Queens Avenue area of Newtownabbey on Sunday, October 15. There are no further details at present.”
People are heartbroken ..he always said ‘hello’ when he walked past NEIGHBOUR GLENGORMLEY YESTERDAY