Lexi Branson was in bed beside her Mum in their Leiceister home, when the family’s pet dog stormed into the room and attacked the young child. The 4-year-old was then mauled to death by the animal.
It was reported the child had been attacked by a French Mastiff (pictured), however further information confirmed the young girl was savaged by a bull-dog, who neighbours have said, always had an extremely placid and friendly nature.
According to the Mirror, the dog leapt at the sleeping child, grabbing her in his jaw and then continued to shake her like a rag doll.
Horrified and distraught, the little girl’s Mum, Jodi, attempted to wrestle the dog to the ground.
In a bid to release the animal’s locked jaw the mother grabbed a knife and stabbed the dog to death.
Unfortunately it was too late. Lexi was rushed to hospital where she died from her injuries.
A close family friend, Paul Ryan, told the paper the Jodi’s devastation as Lexi was her only child, which she doted on.
“She had only had the dog for two months after picking it up from a local rescue centre,” he explained.
“It had suffered abuse in the past but she said it had a very soft nature. Lexi was always playing with it.
“Apparently it suddenly turned on Lexi for no reason. She was in bed sleeping with her mum and it came in and just went mental. It grabbed Lexi and wouldn’t let go.
“Jodi was screaming and trying to pull its head away but it wouldn’t give a in. In the end she had to use a knife to release its jaw. It must have been absolutely terrifying.”
The tragedy has shocked the entire community of Mountsorrel.
