Boy, 11, dies from cuts to the head in Northern Ireland

An 11-year-old boy has died after being found ‘covered in blood’ from cuts police believe may have been the result of an attack by the family dog. 

Police have launched an investigation after the child was found with ‘lacerations to the head’ at around 12pm today and rushed to hospital where he died shortly after.

A resident who lives near the scene in Queen’s Avenue, Newtonabbey, County Antrim, said she saw the youngster ‘covered in blood’ as he was carried out of his house on a stretcher and treated by paramedics. 

Police are still in the area of Glengormley where the incident happened, which locals have described as a ‘generally quiet’ estate. 

An 11-year-old boy was found with ‘mystery cuts to the head’ in Queen’s Avenue, Glengormley in Northern Ireland around midday today 

Neighbours in the area of County Antrim where the 'shocking' incident took place said they saw the youngster 'covered in blood' as he was taken out of his home on a stretcher

Neighbours in the area of County Antrim where the ‘shocking’ incident took place said they saw the youngster ‘covered in blood’ as he was taken out of his home on a stretcher

The boy, 11, died shortly after he arrived at hospital. There are reports he was 'killed by the family dog' 

The boy, 11, died shortly after he arrived at hospital. There are reports he was ‘killed by the family dog’ 

The BBC has reported that the ‘police line of inquiry is that the family dog may have killed the 11-year-old boy around midday’. 

A man is assisting officers with their investigation, but no arrests have been made. 

A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.  

Noreen McCelland, a Socialist Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) councillor in the area has been at the scene for several hours today.

She told Belfast Live: ‘This is tragic news. I am sure the whole community is grieving and the family, I’m sure, are distraught.

‘There are just no words. The local community will be trying to take in this dreadful news.’

The road where the boy was injured has been cordoned off by police and forensic teams have been seen entering his house this evening 

The road where the boy was injured has been cordoned off by police and forensic teams have been seen entering his house this evening 

People have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness at the 'utterly heart-breaking news' 

People have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness at the ‘utterly heart-breaking news’ 

She claims distraught neighbours had watched as the child was taken out of the house by paramedics on a stretcher.

‘They said there was a lot of blood. It is just horrible, a terrible tragedy.

‘How do you deal with something like that.

‘Everyone is really upset. We don’t know yet what has happened.’

Forensic teams have been seen entering the family home this evening as they investigate the circumstances of the boy’s death. 

People have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness.

One Twitter user called Leah wrote: ‘Utterly heartbreaking news from Glengormley this evening.’   

Democratic Union Party Senior Parliamentary Assistant Phillip Brett wrote: ‘Huge shock and sadness across Glengormley today following this tragic news. Police investigation underway.’

A ‘Love Antrim’ account wrote: ‘Sad news that young boy has died in Glengormley. PSNI arrested a man in connection with his death. Thoughts and go out to family & friends.’

Newtownabbey’s Glengormley Integrated Primary School posted: ‘Oh my goodness. How tragically sad. Feeling already numb and shocked without even knowing any more.’

Lisa Mason wrote on Facebook: ‘I know the whole community will be shocked and grieving! Queens Park really had become an estate that families felt safe in and has been a close knit community

Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends closest to the young boy’

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman said: ‘Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of an 11 year old boy at a house in the Queens Avenue area of Newtownabbey on Sunday, October 15.

‘There are no further details at present.’ 

Forensic officers are on scene this evening as they investigate whether the boy's death was the result of an attack by the family dog 

Forensic officers are on scene this evening as they investigate whether the boy’s death was the result of an attack by the family dog 

The area remains cordoned off, with several police cars and around half a dozen officers 

The area remains cordoned off, with several police cars and around half a dozen officers 

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