THE heartbroken family of a schoolgirl mauled to death by her pet dog say they have been “overwhelmed with love” following the tragedy.
Little Alice Stones was attacked in her back garden in Netherfield, Buckinghamshire, shortly after 5pm on Tuesday.
3The heartbroken family of Alice Stones say they have been “overwhelmed with love”
3A heartbreaking photo uploaded shows Alice blowing out candles on her fourth birthdayCredit: gofundme
3The tragic tot passed away after the brutal dog attackCredit: FacebookLocals were evacuated before armed cops cornered and gunned down the killer dog, which the family reportedly only rescued six weeks ago.
It is understood to be a Pitbull-husky cross, or Pitsky, though this has not yet been confirmed.
In an update on the GoFundMe page for the tot, pal Grace Wenham posted a new photo of little Alice.
It shows the tragic youngster blowing out candles on her birthday cake after turning four last August.
In a note accompanying the snap Grace posted a message from Alice’s grieving mum and other relatives.
She wrote: “The family … want to thank everyone who has donated, shared or sent their condolences during this horrendous time.
“Nothing has gone unnoticed and they are overwhelmed with the love felt by the community during this unthinkable tragedy.”
Emergency services were called to the Stones’ home in Broadlands, Milton Keynes, on January 31.
Mum Louise Stones, 25, was overheard screaming “she’s dead, she’s dead” after witnessing the horrific attack.
The end-of-terrace house remains cordoned off, and flowers, soft toys and notes are piled up on the pavement.
Thames Valley Police said no arrests have been made and that investigators are working to establish the breed of the dog.
Dozens of mourners gathered at a candlelit vigil to remember the youngster on Wednesday night.
Around 100 people turned out at Grand Union Vineyard Church across the road to pay tribute to the tragic tot.
Among them was a family pal who said Alice’s devastated mother Louise was being comforted by her own mum Karen Hallewell, 56.
Prayers were said for the family as mourners holding candles gathered in the darkness in a green space at the rear of the place of worship.
Neighbour Rita Matthews, 36, said she would see the child while walking her own daughter to school and described the youngster as a “very happy little girl”.
One of the tributes left to Alice among the flowers read: “Fly high with the angels little one.
“The whole community will miss your smile. Our thoughts are with the whole family, especially her mum.”
Story Credit: thesun.co.uk