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

Neighbours have described her as a “very happy child”.

Police officers were called to a property 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 so far been no arrests.

Police Superintendent Matt Bullivant called it an “absolutely tragic incident” and said people should not speculate about the circumstances as the investigation is at an early stage.

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

“I know the girl. It’s so sad to hear that news,” she said.

“She was always holding her mummy’s hand on the way back.

“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.”

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

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

“You know kids, playing around.”

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

Mr Bullivant confirmed the dog had been “humanely” put down, “in order to ensure public safety” after the attack.

“I understand how much of an impact this will have on the community and on the wider public, and people can expect to see a large police presence in the area this evening and beyond while our investigation continues,” he said.

“I would like to reassure people that there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the wider public at this time.”

Donna Fuller, a ward councillor for Woughton Community Council, said a vigil will be held at Grand Union Vineyard Church, Netherfield Campus, this evening to “enable the community to come together and draw strength from each other”.

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

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