Bella-Rae Birch, 1, suffered horrific injuries after being mauled to death by an American Bully

An inquest heard that a one-year-old daughter murdered by her family’s new dog died from a head trauma.

Bella-Rae Birch, a lawful breed, was mauled to death at her home by an American Bully XL.

The dog was purchased by the family barely a week before the assault in St Helens, Merseyside, on Monday.

Treysharn Bates, Bella-mother, Rae’s paid homage to her daughter by penning “Bella Rae” with a love heart in sand.

She also altered her Facebook profile image to one of her and her kid holding a dummy.

Meanwhile, Bella-father Rae’s and Treysharn’s boyfriend, Ryan Birch, updated his profile photo to show his daughter beaming in her England football uniform.

In a statement, the family said: “We would want to thank the community for their help as a family.

“We would want to request some space and time to attempt to come to terms with the devastating death of our beloved Bella-Rae.

“She will be sorely missed, but she will never be forgotten.”

It comes after a fundraising campaign for her burial raised £5,550. This week, a memorial and balloon release were performed in memory of the toddler.

In a statement, the family said: “We would want to thank the community for their help as a family.

“We would want to request some space and time to attempt to come to terms with the devastating death of our beloved Bella-Rae.

“She will be sorely missed, but she will never be forgotten.”

It comes after a fundraising campaign for her burial raised £5,550. This week, a memorial and balloon release were performed in memory of the toddler.

Linda Birchall, 61, a witness, claimed the family appeared horrified and inconsolable after the incident.

Joanne Matthews, 53, described Bella-Rae as a “lovely little kid toddling around.”

For her first birthday in October, the baby’s father addressed her as “Bella boo,” adding, “Have the nicest day lovely.” We adore you much too much.”

Merseyside Police confirmed the breed of dog was an American Bully XL, which is not subject to any prohibitions under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

“On the 21st of March, we regretfully lost our precious blue-eyed daughter girl, who was only one year old, in a horrible abrupt accident,” mother Treysharn said on their fundraising.

“We are now in a position where we need to raise funds towards the most beautiful send-off.”

One well-wisher who donated to the fundraiser wrote: “Good night god bless Bella-Rae, thinking of all your family at this sad time.”