Inquest into death of Bella-Rae Birch in St Helens concludes

Bella-Rae Birch was attacked by the family dog at her home on Bidston Avenue, Blackbrook at around 3.50pm on Monday, March 21, last year.

The young girl was rushed to hospital by paramedics, but she later died as a result of her injuries.

The tragedy caused shock and sadness across the St Helens community.

A vigil was held in memorial to Bella-Rae at Church Square in St Helens town centre following her death.

A vigil for Bella-Rae held in St Helens town centre

An inquest into Bella-Rae’s death was opened in the spring last year and was concluded in a hearing at Bootle Town Hall in the autumn.

The record of inquest stated: “Bella-Rae Birch was sadly pronounced deceased on March 21, 2022, at Whiston Hospital, Merseyside.”

It added Bella-Rae “tragically died” after “a lawfully owned family pet, suddenly and without warning or any provocation took hold of her” and she was “fatally injured”.

The inquest heard: “This was an unforeseen tragedy that happened at the family home.”

Coroner for St Helens, Knowsley and Sefton Julie Goulding concluded Bella-Rae’s death was an accident.

Bella-Rae Birch

Police confirmed that the dog involved in the tragedy was an American Bully XL, a legal breed not subject to any prohibitions. The dog, which had been bought a week earlier, was "humanely destroyed" after the attack.

After the conclusion of the inquest, a Merseyside Police spokesman confirmed: “There will be no criminal charges brought in connection to this tragic case.”

People at a vigil for Bella-Rae at Church Square last year

A book of condolence set up by the St Helens Star saw a raft of heartfelt messages sent in by the community.

In a tribute, Bella-Rae’s family said: “She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”