Funeral of dog attack baby held

Archie-Lee's mother read a poem at the service

Mourners have released dozens of pale blue balloons in tribute to a 13-month-old boy who was killed by his grandparents' rottweiler dog.

About 150 people gathered at St Paul's Church in Alverthorpe, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, for the funeral of Archie-Lee Hirst.

He was spending Christmas at his grandparents' house when he was killed by the family pet on 28 December.

The Crown Prosecution Service has said nobody will face criminal charges.

Among the mourners at the funeral were his parents, 18-year-old Rebecca Hirst and Damian Williamson, 20.

Floral tributes, including ones spelling out "Archie-Lee" and the nickname "Boobar" and one in the shape of children's character Noddy, filled the hearse.

'Insufficient evidence'

The funeral service was conducted by Reverend Pat Maguire and included a poem written to Archie-Lee's mother as if it was from her son.

It read: "Mommy, I wish I could stay. Just like I heard you pray. But all the angels did cry, when they told little me goodbye."

The poem continued: "The streets of gold is where I play. You'll come here too, mommy, someday. Until the day you join me here, I'll love you mommy dear. Each breeze you feel and see, brings love and a kiss from me."

Archie-Lee Hirst died from multiple injuries

After the service, Mr Williamson helped carry his son's blue coffin out of the church before friends and family gathered in the grounds to release the balloons.

The family then left for a private service at a local crematorium.

Earlier on Monday, police said there was insufficient evidence to secure a prosecution over the boy's death.

Archie-Lee was snatched from the arms of a seven-year-old girl as she carried him to the back door of the house in Chald Lane, Wakefield.

The animal was said to be used to children and the attack was described as completely unexpected.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has considered the evidence gathered by the police in the course of the investigation.

"The decision of the CPS is that the evidence in the case is not sufficient to create a realistic prospect of conviction for any criminal offence."