Dad 'shattered' after little boy mauled to death by dog at holiday park
The father of a little boy mauled to death by a dog while on a family holiday has paid an emotional tribute to his son.
Frankie MacRitchie died on Saturday after being attacked by a “bulldog-type breed” at Tencreek Holiday Park, Cornwall, UK.
Frankie had been staying at the holiday park with his family for a number of evenings before the tragedy, police said.
The nine-year-old was alone in a caravan with the dog as he was attacked, while the adults he was on holiday with were in an adjacent unit, according to authorities.
The boy’s “shattered” father Billy has paid tribute to his son in an emotional Facebook post, shared on his behalf by his sister Danielle.
“My baby Frankie Gray MacRitchie, my whole world has shattered into a million pieces. Daddy is so lost without you little man I really don’t know how I’m ever gonna live without you,” the emotional post said.
“This should never have happened I wish I could hold you and kiss you forever.
“You are my whole life and now you’re gone.
“Sleep tight my darling boy, my best friend my everything.”
Floral tributes to Frankie were left at the caravan park following the tragedy.
“This is a desperately sad event which has seen a nine-year-old boy lose his life whilst on holiday; our thoughts and sympathies are with the loved ones of Frankie and all of those who knew him,” Detective Superintendent Mike West said.
Three hours after the attack, police arrested a 28-year-old woman in Plymouth on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control and manslaughter, and have since released her under investigation pending further inquiries.
The dog has been seized and remains in kennels in Cornwall.
Tencreek Holiday Park spokesman Henry Joce said on Saturday the park would remain open.
It would not make any further statement as investigations are ongoing.
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