A three-year-old boy has died in Rochdale after a suspected dog attack, Greater Manchester Police said.

Emergency services were called to Carr Lane, Milnrow.

An investigation has been launched and will also focus on previous incidents involving dogs at the address.

A Greater Manchester Police statement said: “Police in Rochdale are investigating after a boy died after it is believed he was attacked by a dog.

“We were called at about 1.15pm by NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) after reports a three-year-old boy had been injured at Carr Lane, Milnrow.

“He was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead.

“No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances."

The investigation also focuses on previous incidents involving dogs at the address.

Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels, of GMP's Public Protection and Serious Crime Division, said: 'This is a tragic, devastating incident and our thoughts are with the family at this horrendous time. We are investigating the incident and previous incidents involving dogs at this address.

'While our enquiries to find out what happened will be thorough and are very much in their infancy, we suspect that this little boy has, sadly, succumbed to injuries received as a result of a dog attack.

'I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned and this news will rock the local community.

'I can only assure everyone that we will work relentlessly to establish the full circumstances that led to this tragedy and while we retain an open mind, this is now being dealt with as a criminal investigation.

'There will be a significant police presence in the area - we will be there to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have.'