A baby boy has died after being bitten by a dog, police have confirmed.
West Mercia Police said the child, whose age has not been released, died in hospital yesterday morning after paramedics were called to an address in Telford, Shropshire.
A police spokesman said officers were awaiting the result of a post-mortem examination, and have launched an investigation to establish the precise circumstances of the death.
The spokesman said: "Police and ambulance were called to an address in Woodside Road, Ketley, about a young baby that was unwell.
"He was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford by paramedics but died soon after.
"As in all cases of the death of a young child, West Mercia Police has launched an investigation to establish the exact circumstances."
It is understood that the dog involved in the incident, thought to be a small family pet, has been put down.
Police said in a statement that "initial indications" suggested the boy died as a result of being bitten by the dog.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson said: "Our investigation is ongoing but it appears that the baby died as a result of a dog bite.
"The dog in question was a family pet - a Jack Russell - and this animal has been put down."
He added: "A post-mortem will be taking place to establish the exact cause of this baby's death but at this stage it does appear to be a tragic accident.
"I would like to ask the Press to report this incident as sensitively as possible as the family involved are devastated by their loss.
"They have no desire to speak to the Press at the present time and therefore I would request that their privacy is respected.
"With an investigation ongoing, there is no further comment I can make on this matter, apart from to say that all our thoughts are with the family of the baby at this extremely sad time."
