Mauling death prosecution unlikely

Dozens of floral tributes were left outside the home where 14-year-old Jade Anderson was mauled by a pack of dogs
4 April 2013

Police have said it is "unlikely" they will prosecute anybody over the death of a 14-year-old who was mauled by a pack of dogs.

Jade Anderson was discovered with wounds consistent with a dog attack at a property in Chaucer Grove, Atherton, near Wigan, on March 26.

She was visiting the house, the home of a friend, and was alone when she was attacked by four dogs - believed to be two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers - which were later shot by police marksmen. A fifth dog, which was not considered a danger to the public, was "contained" at the scene.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said on Thursday night that they could not prove a crime had been committed, although he said a prosecution may be brought in the future.

He said: "At this stage of the inquiry, we do not have anything evidentially to categorically prove a crime has been committed, therefore it is unlikely at this stage we will be seeking to bring a prosecution. That is not to say that no prosecution will ever be brought, and we still have a number of inquiries to make.

"While we do not want to be drawn on the politics surrounding the legislation of dangerous dogs, we are nonetheless bound by the law.

"As always, our thoughts are with Jade's family, and we continue to offer them support at such a difficult time in their lives."

Speaking after her death, her family were said to be "devastated" at the teenager's death.

Jade was a pupil at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, where the head teacher, Jan Garretts, led tributes to the youngster.

Ms Garretts said: "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by Jade's tragic death. Jade was a lively student who always had a smile on her face."

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