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Police ‘bound by law’ over Wigan dog attack death of Jade Anderson as they confess any prosecution unlikely

By Glen Keogh

It is unlikely that anybody will be prosecuted over the death of Jade Anderson who was mauled by dogs in Wigan, as police confess they are ‘bound by the law’.   

Jade, 14, was attacked at the Atherton home of her friend Kimberley Concannon, whose mother Beverley Concannon owned the two Staffordshire bull terriers, a bull mastiff and an American bulldog that killed her.

Now police have found themselves handcuffed by legislation which essentially dictates that no crime has been committed.     

Therefore it is ‘unlikely at this stage’ they will be seeking to bring a prosecution.

The attack on March 26 shocked the nation and prompted calls for new laws restricting the ownership of ‘dangerous’ dogs.

A statement released by Greater Manchester Police said: “It is unlikely at this stage we will be seeking to bring a prosecution.

“That is not to say that no prosecution will ever be brought and we still have a number of inquiries to make.

“While we do not want to be drawn on the politics surrounding the legislation of dangerous dogs, we are none the less bound by the law.

“As always, our thoughts are with Jade’s family and we continue to offer them support at such a difficult time in their lives.”

The dogs were shot dead by police, while another dog at the address was said to be securely contained.

They were not covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, however it is believed Ms Concannon is in hiding.

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