A pet dog which fatally injured a 10-year-old girl was an XL bully, police have confirmed.

North Yorkshire Police said the animal had been euthanised after it killed Savannah Bentham at her family home near Malton in North Yorkshire on Friday.

Savannah died at the scene despite efforts by medical professionals and a member of the public who came to the family’s aid.

A spokesperson said the dog had been with the family for four years and had a Certificate of Exemption under new legislation introduced in February.

It had also been neutered in line with the law change, they added.

The police spokesperson confirmed the dog was destroyed by a vet on Tuesday after “detailed independent assessments” to determine its breed.

“To aid the report for the coroner, an autopsy is due to take place on the dog to help determine if there were any medical factors involved,” they said.

“These findings will be outlined at the inquest into the death of Savannah Bentham in due course.”

In a statement issued on Monday, Savannah’s family said they were “utterly shocked and devastated” by the death of their “wonderful girl”.

Savannah attended West Heslerton C of E Primary School in Malton, with her former head teacher, Rachel Wells, describing her as a “model student” and a “friend to everyone”.

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