SIX pit bull terriers, at least one of which police suspect was being trained to take part in dog fighting, have been seized during a local raid.

The capture of the dogs in Fleet Lane, Parr followed the death of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson, who was mauled by a pit bull-type terrier dog, at her grandmother's home in Gillars Green on New Year's Day (Monday).

Officers were alerted to the premises in Parr following a tip off from the community. A warrant was executed under the Dangerous Dogs Act at 5pm yesterday (Wednesday)

click icon to see video of pit bull raid Click here to see a video of the raid, taken by Merseyside Police.

A police spokeswoman said: "Three dogs were found in cages in out-buildings, and another three in an enclosed yard. Also seized was a quantity of high protein dog food.

"At least one of the dogs appears to have had its ears cropped, which is believed to be a common preparation for dogs bred for fighting."

The dogs have been removed by the wardens to secure kennels.

Superintendent Jon Ward said: "This kind of joint operation underlines our commitment to tackling the problem of dangerous dogs in our communities.

"We have acted swiftly on information received, and I would urge anybody with information of this kind to contact police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The dog seizures were part of a joint operation between Merseyside Police and St Helens Council Dog Wardens.

The search of the out-buildings at the rear of the address was carried out by Merseyside Police's experienced dog handlers, Neighbourhood officers and council dog wardens.