The dangerous dogs debate has once again be re opened after the death of a toddler in Crawley.

Zumer Ahmed, an 18 month old girl, was killed by a dog at her home in West Sussex on Saturday. She was in the kitchen when she was attacked in front of her grandmother, mother and sister.

A post-mortem examination showed she died from injuries and a fractured skull caused my multiple dog bites. She was taken to hospital but dies shortly afterwards. The dog is set to be destroyed.

Zumer's uncle Urfan Ahmed, the owner of the dog, has been bailed until July on suspicion of manslaughter pending further inquiries.

The girl's uncle was not at home at the time of the attack, and Sussex Police has been trying to establish the circumstances which led up to the incident.

Shorly after the attack, two workmen at a nearby property heard screaming and ran to help. They distracted the dog, which was waist height to an adult, causing it to drop the girl. A spokesman for Sussex Police said officers believe the dog is an American bulldog but that was yet to be confirmed by experts.

American bulldogs are not a breed banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and are considered amongst the more loyal and child friendly types of bulldog.

Neighbour Ana Andrade, 35, said: "I think it was a really tragic accident, his dogs were so well-behaved. He would always be teaching them, they were like big teddy bears. This is such a shock, he is such a responsible owner."

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he had often seen the dogs being walked in the area: "I am surprised this is what has happened, my little one strokes his dogs. He's not one of those guys who has a dog because it's a status symbol, he loves his dogs and they are walked every day.”