It is unlikely anyone will be prosecuted over the death of a 14-year-old who was mauled by a pack of dogs, police admitted after saying they had no evidence a crime had been committed.
Jade Anderson was discovered with wounds consistent with a dog attack at a property in Chaucer Grove, Atherton, near Wigan, on March 26.
She was visiting the home of a friend, and was alone when she was attacked by four dogs - believed to be two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers - which were later shot by police marksmen.
A male Staffordshire bull terrier was one of the dogs destroyed
A fifth dog, which was not considered a danger to the public, was "contained" at the scene.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said they could not prove a crime had been committed, although a prosecution may be brought in the future.
He said: "At this stage of the inquiry, we do not have anything evidentially to categorically prove a crime has been committed, therefore it is unlikely at this stage we will be seeking to bring a prosecution.
This dog was also put down
"That is not to say that no prosecution will ever be brought, and we still have a number of inquiries to make.
"While we do not want to be drawn on the politics surrounding the legislation of dangerous dogs, we are nonetheless bound by the law.
"As always, our thoughts are with Jade's family, and we continue to offer them support at such a difficult time in their lives."
SEE ALSO:
- Tributes paid to Jade Anderson
- Police 'not jumping to conclusions'
- 'Send dog wardens into homes'
Speaking after her death, her family were said to be "devastated" at the teenager's death.
Jade was a pupil at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, where the head teacher, Jan Garretts, led tributes to the youngster.
Ms Garretts said: "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by Jade's tragic death.
"She had only been a pupil at the school since the summer but had made a real impact in that short time.
"Jade was a lively student who always had a smile on her face.
"She loved music and dance and was a regular at our after school dancing club."
She added: "She will be greatly missed by the school community."
Her boyfriend Josh Pheasey, 13, described Jade as "a beautiful girl" who "wouldn't hurt a fly".
Josh told The Sun: "Jade was such a nice, beautiful girl and wouldn't hurt a fly. We were in the same form. She only moved to my school this year from a school in Manchester."