"We are utterly shocked and devastated," said the family of Savannah Bentham

The savage mauling of a ten-year-old girl by her new XL Bully dog in North Yorkshire last week marks the sixth fatality since the ban on the dogs came into force on February 1.

The 10-year-old girl's mother was heard screaming "my baby is dead, my baby is dead" after she discovered her daughter had been killed in a dog attack by the family's XL Bully

Savannah Bentham suffered serious injuries after being attacked at about 4.15pm on Friday in Malton, Yorkshire.

Police say the attack was "out of character" as the girl and dog had a "close, loving relationship".

The youngster died at home after the attack by the family pet which is said to have acted 'out-of-character'

The 10-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene on Friday.

Traumatic scenes unfolded in the sleepy Yorkshire village after the girl had reportedly boasted to her pals: 'I have got a new pet - an XL bully'.

Schoolgirl Savannah Bentham, 10, was found dead at her home in Malton, North Yorkshire, on November 1 after being attacked by the family's dog - an American Bully XL

The 10-year-old girl who was mauled to death by an XL American Bully dog named Lacey has been named for the first time after the horrific incident in Malton, North Yorkshire, on Friday

Police are now investigating.

The 10-year-old girl mauled to death by her family dog has been named as Savannah Bentham.

Police were called on Friday afternoon following a report that a child had been attacked by a dog

Savannah Bentham’s "shocked" family, who are from the Malton area of North Yorkshire, have issued a heartbreaking statement through the police following the devastating dog attack

Tributes have been paid to the girl, named Savannah

The 10-year-old girl, known only as Savannah, was discovered mauled to death by the family pet XL Bully dog by her mother, who had previously boasted to friends how she was caring for the dog

Police are continuing to investigate the attack but say initial enquiries suggest Savannah had "a close, loving relationship" with the dog.

A 10-year-old girl who was mauled to death by her family's dog had a 'close, loving relationship' with the pet that killed her, police say.

A 10-year-old girl was discovered mauled to death by the family pet XL Bully dog by her mother who she bought the dog as a pet, and was excited to care for it