Young child dies after dog attack in Aranui, Christchurch

A young child has died after a dog attack in the Christchurch on Friday afternoon.

Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said emergency services were called to Basingstoke Street in Aranui at around 4:45pm after reports of a child sustaining serious dog bite injuries.

"Upon arrival, emergency services located a young child in a critical condition.

"Despite the immediate efforts of first responders, and a member of the household, the child sadly died at the scene."

Overend said the dog involved was known to the occupants of the address and lived at the property.

"Police remain at the address carrying out a scene examination, and enquiries into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident are ongoing.

"Occupants of the address are assisting police with enquiries."

St John said two ambulances, two rapid response units and one operations manager attended.