Ellie death: Grandmother is charged

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And Ellie's uncle, Kiel Simpson, was charged with the possession of a dangerous dog, under section one of the Dangerous Dog Act.

Ellie was mauled to death at the home of her grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson, in St Helens, Merseyside, on New Year's Day.

Colin Davies, of Merseyside Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Having carefully considered all of the material supplied by Merseyside Police, I made the decision that there was sufficient evidence and authorised that Kiel Simpson should be charged with the possession of a dangerous dog, namely a pit-bull terrier, and Jackie Simpson with the manslaughter of Ellie Lawrenson and possession of a controlled drug, diamorphine."

The pair will appear before magistrates on April 11.

Ms Simpson, 46, needed emergency surgery for arm injuries after she was also attacked as her granddaughter was savaged.

The dog was later shot dead by police officers at the scene.

The CPS said the grandmother had been charged with manslaughter due to gross negligence.

This means lawyers would have to prove Ms Simpson had a duty of care towards Ellie, that she was grossly negligent in breaching that duty and that it led to her granddaughter's death.

It is understood both Mr Simpson and Ms Simpson attended a police station in Merseyside on Tuesday morning where they were charged.