AN EXPERT is helping police to identify the kind of dog involved in a fatal attack on 10-year-old Jack Lis, and to find out if it was a prohibited breed.

Jack, from Penyrheol in Caerphilly, died yesterday afternoon at the scene of the attack. The dog that attacked him was later destroyed by armed police.

Speaking to the Argus this afternoon, Gwent Police chief superintendent Mark Hobrough said the force was currently unable to comment on the breed of dog involved in the attack, but said he had seen photos of the animal and described it as a "very large, powerful" dog.

A dog legislation officer will "look at the character traits of the dog, to see if it is or not a prohibited type of dog that is allowed in the UK", he added.

There had been suggestions by some members of the community that the dog had previously posed a problem in the area, and while the police are aware of these claims, so far the force records show no prior reports relating to the dog or the address where the attack happened.

Dog was 'being highly aggressive' after attack

Ch Supt Hobrough said police officers and parademics were called to a house in Pentwyn, Penyrheol shortly before 4pm yesterday, with reports a child was "trapped in a house and being attacked by a dog".

South Wales Argus: Floral tributes to Jack Lis left outside the house in Penyrheol where he died.Floral tributes to Jack Lis left outside the house in Penyrheol where he died.

After rushing to the scene, officers "distracted the dog once inside the premises whilst officers opened the door and managed to move young Jack as quickly as possible".

"Tragically the level of injury that Jack received has meant that he lost his life at the scene before the officers brought him out of the premises," he added. "We secured that scene. The firearms officers have subsequently attended very shortly after and destroyed the dog, which was still being highly aggressive in its manner and trying to escape the premises."

The attack did not happen at the victim's house, and in a Facebook post shared earlier on Tuesday, Jack's mother said it was not their dog that attacked him.

The police investigation will now focus on identifying the dog and deciding whether any crimes have been committed "either wilfully or or through neglect". A team of detectives has been deployed to work on the case, as well as a dog legislation officer.

Several people are currently assisting Gwent Police with enquiries, including the owners of the dog. No arrests have been made so far, "but we are looking at all potential offences and all potential actions that need to come as a result of this investigation", Ch Supt Hobrough said.

Watch the full interview with Ch Sup Hobrough here:

He added: "Gwent Police will deal very firmly with any people who commit an absolute offence of possession of a dangerous dog by breed that are absolutely prohibited to have in the UK, and there will be no exemptions for people in possession of such.

"This dog has been dealt with in the quickest possible opportunity, there are no outstanding threats in the area.

"I’m extremely grateful for the close support the community of Penyrheol and Caerphilly have given to each other at this highly emotive and traumatic time, and I’m really grateful for the support that’s been extended to the family in what is a truly horrendous incident."

How to contact Gwent Police about this incident

If you have any information regarding this incident, contact Gwent Police by calling 101.

You can also get in touch with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Remember to quote the reference 210039251 when communicating about this specific incident.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.