A 45-year-old man has been arrested after a three-month-old baby girl died in a suspected dog attack.

Cleveland police said they were called to a house in the Dormanstown area of Redcar shortly after 1.30pm on Thursday afternoon after a report of concern for the welfare of the child. The baby is believed to have died as a result of a dog bite, police said.

A woman, aged 31, was treated in hospital for an injury to her arm from a dog bite. Armed police destroyed one dog that had gone on to the street. A second recovered by police has since been destroyed.

The man, 45, was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. After questioning, he was released on conditional bail.

A police spokesperson said the dogs were assessed by a specialist officer and they have been deemed not to be a prohibited type of dog. Neighbours told Teesside Live that the dogs were pocket bully-type dogs, possibly cross breeds. One resident said the dog was “running up and down the street” after the attack.

Ch Supt Rachel Stockdale, head of local policing at Cleveland police, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the child’s family following this tragic and distressing incident.

“I want to take this opportunity to request that their privacy is respected during this difficult time. There will continue to be a scene in place at the property alongside a visible policing presence as the investigation is ongoing.

“I encourage anyone who has concerns to please speak to an officer. We are also appealing to anyone with information, mobile or doorbell and dashcam footage to get in touch.”

A North East ambulance service spokesperson said three ambulance crews, one clinical team leader and one duty officer were dispatched to the incident.