THE St Helens Star has opened an online book of condolence after the tragic passing of 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch.

Bella-Rae died in hospital from her injuries after emergency services were called to her home in the Blackbrook area of St Helens at 3.50pm on Monday, Merseyside Police said.

Neighbours described trying to save the “beautiful” toddler after hearing her parents’ screams.

In a statement, Superintendent Steve Brizell at Merseyside Police said: “Bella-Rae has lost her life in the most unimaginably terrible circumstances and our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and the wider community at this devastating time.

“Our specialist family liaison officers are providing the family of Bella-Rae with support and officers will remain in the area in the coming days to provide further reassurance and support for the wider community.

“At this stage we understand that the family dog they had bought just a week earlier has attacked Bella-Rae inside the family home.

“Bella-Rae was taken by ambulance to hospital by paramedics but despite the best efforts of police officers at scene, paramedics and doctors sadly Bella-Rae died as a result of her injuries yesterday afternoon.

“It has left a family and a community grieving and in complete shock.”

The force said the dog had been humanely destroyed and work was ongoing to determine its breed and its previous owners.

We've set up an online book of condolence for you to pay your tributes. You can leave your own message using the tool at the bottom.

Messages will be moderated before appearing online so there may be a delay before you see it here.

Community answers

We've set up a book of condolence for Bella-Rae Birch - pay your tributes here

"The St Helens Star has opened a book of condolence to pay tribute to Bella-Rae Birch, who died aged 17 months following a dog attack in the Blackbrook area of St Helens on Monday (March 21, 2022)."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From rosemary allender

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereGod bless you gorgeous girl .a sweet angel to fly high. I didn't know you but my heart is breaking for you and your family..God give them peace xxxl

From clare Gerrard

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hererest in peace little one. my heart goes out to the family at this sad time I know what this poor family is going though my daughter died two years. i feel the pain that family is going though

From Eileen Sheridan

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFly high sweet child. Sending hugs at this sad time thinking of you all all Xx

From Amber Guy

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereWords cannot describe the saddness we feel in our hearts for you all at this deverstating and incredibly heartbreaking time. Sleep tight beautiful Bella Rae you will forever be in our hearts.

From Tanya Marie Branchflower

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereTaken far too soon sending love to your parents your brother and the wider family RIP precious angel

From Caroline Louise monk

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereso sorry for ur loss of ur daughter Bella thinking of u at this very sad time my deepest sympathy to u and ur family

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRip baby girl thinking of you're mummy and daddy at this sad time rest easy with the angels now and watch over you're family ❤️❤️❤️❤️

From Tazmin Munro

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereBells, You are so loved baby girl so so loved, If love could have saved you we wouldn’t be living this nightmare💔Your smile was so infectious, Watching you grow from newborn to a beautiful clever little girl was always something I cherished and now just that bit more, I love you baby girl everyone loves you, Your going to be so missed😭💖💖💖

From Margaret Coad

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereBeautiful baby girl, you gained your angel wings far too early. May you fly high over the 🌈

From Shirley Myers

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereBeautiful little angel girl in the arms of our Lord

From Chelsey Chara

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace beautiful baby girl ❤️❤️

From Dave jones

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace little one. Play with the angels.

From Nicola evans

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFly high little angel god has called you back too heaven rip

From Rav Garcha

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereYou look like a beautiful girl with the world ahead of you. So sorry to see you leave us so quickly. Condolences 🙏🏼

From Zoe

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSweet Dreams Baby Girl A Young Life taken Far too Soon, Sending My Deepest Condolences to your family

From Jordan painter

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSad isn’t the word, I hope the little girls parents find the strength to get through this god bless the whole family. Rest in paradise Bella-Rae. As a father myself this really touched my heart, I hope someone sets up a go fund me to help the family and also little Bella-Rae’s older brother god bless that boy too tragic isn’t the word :-(

From Mrs N

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereMay you rest in peace little lady. Such a heart breaking event to happen. We send love and hope to your family as you were taken way too soon and in such a terrible way. May the angels sing and dance with you as you look over your family and smile down. Sending love ❤

From Vikki

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSuch a horrible tragedy,a beautiful baby girl Taken away from her family ,god bless you princess

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRip gorgeous baby girl 👼💞

From julie F

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch here

From Sue Evans

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSweet Dreams sueBEAUTIFUL GIRL X , May you rest in peace ANGEL XXXX

From Chantelle Wyatt

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereGood Night God bless Bella-Rae, thinking of all your family at this sad time xxx

From Maxine wilkinson Aruoture

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereBeautiful little girl such a sad loss ❤️

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFly high baby girl. Taken too soon. RIP 💔💔

From Caroline Mccormick

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in paradise beautiful princess I no your nanny miranda, mummy and daddy will miss you so much and will never forget that beautiful smile go give your uncle a big cuddle he will look after you now 💔💔💔

From Julie Bentham

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereJust no words, sorry doesn’t come close.. beautiful baby girl sincere condolences to your family xx

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRip princess dance with the angels thinking of your family

From Kerri harris

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSweet dreams beautiful angel ❤️❤️❤️ Thinking of all your family at this sad time

From Mark bainbridge

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFighting back tears after seeing the pictures of this beautiful little girl. Can’t even imagine what the family feel about getting this dog and witnessing it getting there baby girl. It’s time the Law changed regarding buying dogs when you have a very young baby or child. Rest in piece beautiful princess. My thoughts are with you and your family. Xx

From Lorraine guy

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSleep tight baby girl xx

From Lisa Shaw

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch here👼 rest in peace little Bella-Rae x

From shelli

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch heremy thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. am so so sorry for your loss

From Susan kendall

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace sweet angel xxx

From Barry Holland

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereTo the family and friends of your, cherished, little angel, heartfelt sympathy for your tragic loss. I could not even begin to imagine your pain.I will pray for everyone concerned in the hope that you will find the strength to carry on.himagine

From tracy guest

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch herelife taken so short..r.i.p baby girl xxx

From Nicole Louise Thompson

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest In Peace Bella-Rae, may God give you the best bed in Heaven ❤️.

From Gary Martlew

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRip 🙏 can not Imagine the lost you have suffered ❤️‍🩹

From Susan white

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in piece little one

From Caroline ashley

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFly high beautiful girl thoughts are with your family I cannot possible imagine what they are going through .Your now with the angels

From Thomas Farrington

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereI can’t even begin to try to think what you must be going through at this very very sad time.If I could just send my condolences for the very sad loss of your beautiful daughter I hope eventually you can come to terms with the loss of someone so dear to you. My thoughts are with you and all your family

From Tracy stanley

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereGoodnight God bless beautiful angel x thinking of you mummy daddy big brother all your family and loved ones. Shine over them like the beautiful star you will be x

From Julie hitchmough

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSo sorry for ur loss.xx

From Rachel bates

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereWords can’t even express how devastated you must be feeling right now, such a beautiful little girl taken away far too soon. I hope in time you will be able to find peace in your heart Bella Rae will shine on with you! Xxxx

From Hannah Crook

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFly high baby Girl, Shine bright over your mummy and daddy and rest of the family. Goodnight god bless Bella-Rae

From Keith oshaighnessy

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereHeart goes out to the family very very sad story to hear, rest in peace Bella Rae

From Rebecca

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSo sad to hear this. Thinking of all your family. Absolutely heartbreaking. Rest in paradise little angel xx

From Sandra jones

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace beautiful angel. Just a baby. Thoughts and prayers with your mummy and daddy😢💔

From Alice pye

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSleep tight little princess 👑

From Lindsay Whitfield

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFly high Beautiful Baby Girl. May the angels hold you safe until the time your Mummy and Daddy can hold you close once again. Sending so much love, light and sympathy to all your family and friends. My heart breaks for them xxxx

From Donna ward

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereGod bless you sweet beautiful girl. Fly with the angels 👼 💖💖

From Laura firth

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace beautiful baby girl you are with the angels now 💔gone too soon 💗👼so sorry for your loss so so sad 😞 👼👼

From Dionne Davies

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRip baby girl. Fly high with the Angels

From Susan bradshaw

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereI can’t find any words, I am just so sorry, so very sorry

From Carl Cotham

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSincere Condolences to the family of little Bella-Rae, looks such a lovely little girl, with a beautiful little smile. RIP Bella-Rae (the Cotham family)

From Sonya Adam

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFly high you beautiful little Angel 😇

From Karen Rooney

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSleep tight baby girl x

From Jen Hughes

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereR.i P baby Bella thinking of the family in tragic time ,fly high angle ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

From Kath wilbraham

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereAn angel opened the book if life and wrotebella-raes date of birth and as she gently closed the book whispered too beautiful for earth

From Joanne manning

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in eternal piece beautiful, amongst the angels in heaven xxx

From Sarah brown

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereangels will look after a beautiful little princess angel xx

From Chloe Hodgkinson

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace beautiful girl. Thinking of your mummy, daddy and family. Rest in paradise angel xxxx

From Dawn Chisnall

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereYesterday heaven gained another beautiful Angel taken far too soon, such tragic news my thoughts are with your family, friends and community. Sleep tight Bella-Rae ❤️

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRIP Beautiful Girl. Your life was taken too soon, May you shine so bright in the night skys. Thinking of your family at this horrendous time xox

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace princess ❤️

From Kirst

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSo sorry for your loss, my heart aches for you. RIP baby girl 💗

From Courtney

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest easy beautiful girl, too precious for this world Bella-Rae xxxx

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereGod bless baby girl shine bright xxx

From Rachael

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace beautiful girl xxx

From Rachael

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace beautiful girl xxx

From Karen hawkins

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSo sorry baby girl, fly high with the angels R.I.P 🥲

From Tracey Featherstone-Hurle

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch here

From Carmel Basley

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereBless you Bella-Rae. You didn’t deserve this. RIP. X

From Bex Colbourne

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace my little one. Taken so soon. Thoughts go out to all family and friends.

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSuch a beautiful little girl taken way too soon. Fly high little angel rest in peace 😔

From Katie scarisbrick

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRIP Bella-Rae . Taken to soon xxx

From Russ

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRIP little princess x

From Sharon murtagh

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSweet dreams bella ♥️♥️♥️♥️

From Gary Critchley

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSo sorry to hear of your loss. My sincere condolences to your family at this sad time

From Michelle Howard

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSuch a tragic thing to happen to anyone let alone a little girl. Sweet dreams little angel me

From Joanna webb

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereMay you be at peace beautiful baby girl Bella-Rae ❤️ sending so much love to this family x

From kathleen

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereso sad

From Leah Canning

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereGood night god bless gorgeous girl ❤️

From Community contributor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRIP Angel, a young life cruelly stolen. Condolences to your parents and wider family. I never knew you or your family but my heart breaks for them. Sleep with the Angels little one xxx

From Teresa Smith

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereMay your beautiful soul rest in the arms of the angels.💔

From Lesley long

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRip little girl sleep tight xx

From Barbara Corrigan

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereBeautiful little Bella-Rae we remember when you used to come to Nursery with your big brother in your Mummy’s tummy and we can’t express our sadness at this sad news from all at Precious Little Ones we are all thinking of your family and friends at this sad time sleep please fully beautiful girl xxxxx

From Jen Hughes

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereR.I.P BABY BELLA SLEEP WELL

From Zoe Louise Lacey

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRIP Bella-Rae birch Fly high baby girl ❤️

From Kirstyjade2917@gmail.com

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereYou were such a lovely, gorgeous and funny little girl. Your going to be missed so much our sweet Angel watch over your mummy and daddy ☹ we will all love and miss you forever ❤

From Carole mather

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSweet dreams little baby x

From Blackbrook

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSo sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all her family. Taken to young. Sleep tight little angel xxx

From Lauren Heaton

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest in peace little one.

From Pat Critchley

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereGod bless you little one fly high with the rest of the Angel's xx🙏🙏

From Suzanne

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereSleep tight angel fly high. Sending my love to your family at this awful time.

From CONNIE BROWN

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereI AM SO SORRY TO HERE OF UR LOSS.SHE IS WITH THE ANGILS NOW THEY WILL LOOK AFTER HER NOW.GOD BLESS U BELLA-RAE XXXXX

From Sheryn msyor

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRIP little angel, fly high with the other angels ❤️❤️😢😢

From Rachel moss

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereRest In Peace baby girl, thinking of your mummy, daddy and big brother 🧡

From Lynn Arnold

Pay your tributes to Bella-Rae Birch hereFly high baby Bella Rae r.i.p little girl 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏