Boy killed by dog had ‘significant’ head injury

Officers investigating the death of eight-day-old Harry Harper confirmed a post mortem examination had been completed.

Harry was pronounced dead after being taken to Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital from a semi-detached house in Woodside Road, Ketley, Telford, on Tuesday morning.

Police have said that “initial indications” suggest the baby died as a result of being bitten by the family’s pet Jack Russell, which has since been put down.

A post-mortem examination
concluded the cause of death was a significant head injury, West Mercia Police said.

Superintendent Nav Malik, police commander in Telford, said: “The investigation into this 
sad incident is ongoing and it is likely to continue for some time. However, the incident continues to be investigated as a tragic accident involving the family’s pet dog.”

A statement from Harry’s relatives following the baby’s death said: “As a family we are absolutely devastated by Harry’s death and have no words to describe the loss we have suffered.”