Woman charged over death of three-year-old boy attacked by dog in Essex

American Bulldog which killed Dexter Neal has since been destroyed

Three-year-old Dexter Neal was killed by an American Bulldog in August 2016 (Essex Police)

A woman has been charged over the death of a three-year-old boy who was attacked by a dog in Essex.

Jade Dunne, 29, has been charged with owning a dog dangerously out of control that resulted in the death of three-year-old Dexter Neal, Essex Police said.

Dexter was bitten at Ms Dunne's home in Halstead on August 2016, when he visited for a playdate with one of her four children.

He was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, but later died from his injuries.

Neighbours said at the time they heard agonising screams from the property, and saw a man drag the dog outside, covered in blood.

Police captured an American Bulldog at the scene.

The dog, which was called Ruby, has since been destroyed.

Ms Dunne has been released on bail. She will next appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, March 27.