Police seize dog after nine-month-old baby killed inside family home in Monmouthshire

A nine-month-old baby has died following a dog attack inside a home in south-east Wales, police have confirmed. The tragedy unfolded on Sunday evening in the quiet village of Rogiet, Monmouthshire, leaving the community reeling in shock.

Gwent Police said officers and paramedics were called to a property on Crossway at around 6pm after reports of a serious incident involving a dog and an infant. Despite desperate efforts by emergency crews to save the child’s life, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.

The dog was seized by police shortly after the attack and removed from the property by animal control officers. The force said it was still working to confirm the breed of the animal and whether it was classed as a banned type under the Dangerous Dogs Act. No arrests have been made.

Chief Superintendent John Davies said officers remained at the scene and were continuing their investigation. “Our thoughts are with the family at this incredibly difficult time,” he said. “We understand how distressing this is for the community and want to reassure residents that there is no wider risk to the public.”

Forensic teams were seen entering the property late on Sunday night, and two police officers stood guard outside the semi-detached house on Crossway as scenes-of-crime vehicles arrived to collect evidence. By 10pm, the police cordon had been lifted and most emergency vehicles had left, leaving behind a sombre stillness across the street.

Residents described hearing sirens and seeing flashing blue lights as emergency services flooded the area. One neighbour said the street had been filled with police cars and ambulances. “It’s just heartbreaking,” she said. “We can’t believe something like this could happen here. It’s such a quiet place — you never expect this on your doorstep.”

Another resident, who lives nearby, said people in the village were struggling to comprehend the loss. “Everyone is just in disbelief,” he said. “It’s unimaginable — a baby, not even a year old. The whole community is devastated.”

The attack is the latest in a string of fatal dog incidents that have reignited debate over the regulation of dangerous breeds and responsible ownership in the UK. Recent data from police forces across Britain shows that reports of dog attacks have been rising, with some areas recording record-high numbers of incidents involving both adults and children.

Animal welfare experts say that while most dogs pose no threat when trained and socialised properly, any breed can become dangerous under the wrong conditions. Campaigners are again calling for stricter enforcement of breeding and ownership laws, as well as better education around dog behaviour.

The Welsh government said it was in contact with Gwent Police and would await the outcome of the investigation before commenting further. Local councillors in Monmouthshire said they were offering support to the affected family and thanked emergency services for their response.

By Monday morning, flowers and teddy bears had begun to appear outside the house where the baby died, as neighbours quietly paid tribute. One card left at the scene read simply: “Fly high little angel.”

Police have asked the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the incident while inquiries are ongoing. Officers are expected to remain in the area for several days as they continue to gather evidence and speak with witnesses.

The tragedy has left Rogiet, a small village near the Severn Tunnel Junction railway station, shrouded in grief. As trains rumbled past in the distance late into the night, the hum of the motorway was the only sound on a street that had just hours earlier been filled with flashing lights and frantic activity. Now, it stood silent — a community united in sorrow for a life lost far too soon.