Fourteen pit bull terriers seized

Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death on New Year's Day

A further 14 pit bull terriers have been seized by police on Merseyside under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The animals were discovered in cages at an address on an industrial estate in Norris Green, Liverpool, following a raid at a house in Croxteth on Friday.

Officers believe the unit may have been used for the training and development of the dogs.

A 37-year-old man arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act in Croxteth on Friday has been released on bail.

Detectives said the raid at Norris Green was as a result of information gained in the Croxteth raid.

'Tragic events'

The raids come after five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death in St Helens by a pit bull terrier-type breed.

Four types of animal are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act - pit bull terriers, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brazileiro.

Supt Chris Armitt said: "Following the tragic events on New Year's morning in St Helens, members of the public have come forward and provided Merseyside Police with information about where dangerous dogs are being kept.

"We have acted upon this information quickly."

The RSPCA is assisting the police with animal welfare advice and expertise on dog fighting.