Daniel Twigg: what happened to Rochdale boy, 3, killed by dog, what is Cane Corso breed, is it banned in UK?

A dog which has been put down following the death of three-year-old Daniel Twigg in Milnrow has been identified.

Daniel Twigg was taken to hospital on Sunday afternoon (15 May) but sadly died of his injuries.

Here’s what we know about the incident, including where it happened and the breed of dog which has been named by police.

When did the incident take place?

Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called out at around 1.15pm after reports a three-year-old boy had been injured at Carr Lane, Milnrow.

Police added that the boy, later named as Daniel John Twigg, was taken to hospital but sadly died.

On 16 May, GMP confirmed that several dogs had been seized and one had been humanely destroyed.

On 17 May, police confirmed that the dog that had been destroyed was a Cane Corso.

Has anyone been arrested?

After handing himself in to custody, a 48-year-old man has been arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. As of 12.41pm on 17 May, he remained in police custody for questioning.

What type of dog is a Cane Corso?

A Cane Corso, according to animal charity PDSA, is a Mastiff type breed of dog, thought to have originally descended from a Roman war dog.

They were once used as hunters and worked on farms, protecting, guarding and rounding up livestock. They can typically weight 40-50kg and are usually up to 70cm tall.

Is the Cane Corso breed banned in the UK?

There are currently four breeds of dog currently banned from being owned in the UK, according to the UK Government.

These are:

The Cane Corso is not currently banned from being owned in the UK.

According to the UK Government, it’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as:

The law applies to all dogs.

What is the latest police statement on the incident?

In a statement on 17 May, Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “I send my condolences to Daniel’s loved ones. This is a heart-breaking time for them, specially trained colleagues are supporting them.

“Though a man is in custody, our investigation is very much ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and ensure any criminal offences in relation to Sunday’s incident are identified and prosecutions sought.

“Meanwhile, officers are also reviewing other incidents of note. Due to previous contact, GMP’s Professional Standards Branch has referred the incident for review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“We understand that this incident has had an impact on the community but we ask members of the public and the media to refrain from speculating whilst we complete our investigation and any subsequent proceedings are concluded.”

Anyone with information should share it via 0161 856 7386 quoting Operation Guernsey or https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22P28-PO1. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.