The grandmother of a five-year-old girl who was killed in an attack by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been charged with her manslaughter.

Ellie Lawrenson suffered severe head and neck injuries in the attack by the family pet at Jacqueline Simpson's home in St Helens on New Year's Day.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said on Tuesday that Mrs Simpson had been charged with manslaughter.

Ellie'e uncle Kiel Simpson was charged with possession of a dangerous dog.

Mr Simpson was charged under section one of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which banned four breeds of dog - including pit bulls.

The pair are set to appear before magistrates on 11 April.

Drug charge

Detectives finished their inquiry into the attack on Ellie last month before passing their file to the CPS.

Colin Davies, of Merseyside CPS, said he had reached the decision to prosecute after "careful consideration" of all the material that was supplied.

"I made the decision that there was sufficient evidence and authorised that Kiel Simpson should be charged with the possession of a dangerous dog, namely a pit-bull terrier, and Jackie Simpson with the manslaughter of Ellie Lawrenson and possession of a controlled drug, diamorphine."

Mrs Simpson, 46, needed emergency surgery for arm injuries after she was attacked as she tried to save Ellie from the animal.

The one-year-old dog, named Reuben, was shot dead by police at the scene.

BBC News