Woman ‘attacked by dog’ close to where toddler was mauled to death in Rochdale

A woman has spoken of her experience of being attacked by a dog just yards away from where a toddler was killed in Rochdale.

Three-year-old Daniel John Twigg died in hospital on Sunday May 15th following a ‘devastating’ dog attack in Milnrow, Rochdale.

Officers were called out to a property near Carr Lane at around 1:15pm, where the youngster was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

There, he was sadly pronounced dead.

In the wake of Daniel’s death, a young woman has claimed that she too was mauled by a dog while walking on a footpath just yards from where the fatal attack happened.

The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told the Manchester Evening News that she was bitten by a Cane Corso – the breed that was confirmed as being involved in Daniel’s death – less than 100 yards from the scene.

She said: “The dog wasn’t on a lead. It was hanging off my arms and tugging at me. It bit me on my side.”

The woman says she was left with horrific injuries to her arms and ribs, and has been left with life-long scars to her arms. 

She reported the incident to the police, but was told that officers would not be visiting the farm if there were ‘dangerous dogs on the loose’.

The woman believes the attack was captured on CCTV, but claims police said there was no evidence of what she was alleging.

She said: “They said there was no proof. I don’t think they ever went up there. They just wouldn’t do anything.

“I asked them if they were going to wait until someone was dead to do something.”

As part of a complex investigation, detectives say they are reviewing ‘other incidents of note’.

Michael Ely / Geograph

In an emotional statement released by GMP, Daniel’s family said he ‘was a happy, kind and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him’.

The statement read: “He loved Paw Patrol and playing with his brother and sister, he also loved being around animals – especially his pony, Splash. He brought us many laughs and was a comical character. He was brave, intelligent and full of many characteristics.

“Daniel loved being with his whole family and will be missed by all. On behalf of our family, we ask people to respect our privacy.”

Anyone with information is asked to share it with police via 0161 856 7386 quoting Operation Guernsey or https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22P28-PO1.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.