Archie Darby (left) died in the attack and his brother Daniel-Jay Darby was left with serious injuries
Parents have paid tribute to their four-month old son who was killed in a dog attack, and his 22-month-old brother who was seriously injured.
Archie Darby died after he was attacked by the dog at his home in Colchester, Essex. His brother Daniel-Jay Darby is in hospital.
In a statement, their parents said they “were such happy little loveable boys”.
Essex Police said the dog – believed to have been a “Staffordshire bull terrier-type” – had been put down.
Their mother sustained minor injuries in the attack inside the house in Harwich Road on Thursday afternoon.
Media caption Neighbour Dave Thompson said the dog looked like a Staffordshire bull terrier
The boys’ parents, who asked not to be named, issued a statement saying: “Our beautiful sons Archie Joe Darby and Daniel-Jay Darby are so, so loved by us all and were such happy little loveable boys.
“It doesn’t seem real that our little Archie Bum has gone to heaven and our little Daniel is in intensive care because of a tragic, tragic incident involving a dog attack.
“We have lost our gorgeous little four-month-old baby and our beautiful 22-month-old boy is currently being treated for his injuries.
“Heaven has gained a beautiful little angel and he will be greatly missed by us all and our other little soldier is still fighting strong.
“Please, please, please can you all respect our privacy at this time.”
Floral tribute
Image caption
Floral tributes with hand-written messages were left outside the house where the attack took place
Daniel-Jay was left with “life-changing injuries” in the attack and is being treated at a specialist unit.
A somber reminder to us all what can happen when things go wrong between Dogs and Humans.
My thoughts are with the family at this tragic and unimaginably painful time.