Milton Keynes dog attack victim named as four-year-old Alice Stones

The four-year-old girl who was killed by a dog in a Milton Keynes back garden has been named as Alice Stones.

Police were called to a house in the Broadlands area at about 5pm on Tuesday, but Alice died at the scene shortly after.

The dog was put down and no one else was hurt. There have been no arrests.

Police Superintendent Matt Bullivant called it an “absolutely tragic incident” and said people should not speculate about the circumstances.

Neighbour Rita Matthews, 36, said she would often see Alice while walking her own daughter to school.

“She was always holding her mummy’s hand on the way back,” she said.

“It’s so sad we’re not going to see the girl again and I pray all the best to her mum to get her strength back.”

She said Alice was a “happy little girl, very happy”.

“She would say ‘Bye, auntie’, and I would say ‘Bye, little girl’,” said Ms Matthews.

Police confirmed the dog had been humanely put down “to ensure public safety”.

The end-of-terrace house was still cordoned off on Wednesday, with a forensic tent by the garden and officers on the street.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Rishi Sunak sent his condolences to Alice’s family and the community.

Donna Fuller, a ward councillor for Woughton Community Council, said a vigil would be held this evening.

“It will send a strong message to the family that we are thinking of them,” she said.