Parents charged with manslaughter after son, 3, was mauled to death by dog
Mark Twigg, 42, and Joanne Bedford, 36, have been charged with the gross negligence manslaughter of their toddler Daniel Twigg (Pictures: SWNS)

The parents of a three-year-old boy mauled to death by a dog have been charged with manslaughter.

Daniel Twigg died after being attacked on a farm in Milnrow, Rochdale, in May 2022.

His mum and dad, Mark Twigg, 42, and Joanne Bedford, 36, have been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

They are due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on July 31.

Police previously said Daniel was in the garden when he was set upon by the dog shortly after lunchtime on May 15.

He was rushed to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where he was later declared dead.

Daniel Twigg. Photo released July 4 2024. A man and a woman have been charged in connection of the death of three-year-old Daniel Twigg from May 2022.Daniel sadly died after sustaining injuries as a result of being attacked by a dangerous dog on Tunshill Lane, Milnrow in Rochdale on Sunday 15 May 2022.Mark Twigg (31/03/1982) of King Street, Radcliffe and Joanne Bedford (16/10/1987) of the same address, have been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.They have been notified to attend a scheduled court appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Wednesday 31 July 2024.
Daniel died after sustaining injuries as a result of being attacked by a dog (Picture: Greater Manchester Police/SWNS)
FILE PHOTO - Police at the scene after boy, 3, dies in dog attack in Milnrow, Rochdale on May 16 2022. Photo released July 4 2024. A man and a woman have been charged in connection of the death of three-year-old Daniel Twigg from May 2022.Daniel sadly died after sustaining injuries as a result of being attacked by a dangerous dog on Tunshill Lane, Milnrow in Rochdale on Sunday 15 May 2022.Mark Twigg (31/03/1982) of King Street, Radcliffe and Joanne Bedford (16/10/1987) of the same address, have been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.They have been notified to attend a scheduled court appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Wednesday 31 July 2024.
Police at the scene in Milnrow, Rochdale (Picture: Matthew Lofthouse/SWNS)
FILE PHOTO - Police at the scene after boy, 3, dies in dog attack in Milnrow, Rochdale on May 16 2022. Photo released July 4 2024. A man and a woman have been charged in connection of the death of three-year-old Daniel Twigg from May 2022.Daniel sadly died after sustaining injuries as a result of being attacked by a dangerous dog on Tunshill Lane, Milnrow in Rochdale on Sunday 15 May 2022.Mark Twigg (31/03/1982) of King Street, Radcliffe and Joanne Bedford (16/10/1987) of the same address, have been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.They have been notified to attend a scheduled court appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Wednesday 31 July 2024.
The couple is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on July 31 (Picture: Matthew Lofthouse/SWNS)

Several dogs were seized at the property, with one Cane Corso – an Italian breed of mastiff – humanely destroyed, police said.

Photos taken at the property show signs warning ‘beware of the dogs’ attached to gates.

Daniel’s family paid tribute to him in a statement issued through police, saying he was a ‘happy, kind, and caring little boy who was loved by all who knew him’.

It went on: ‘He loved Paw Patrol and playing with his brother and sister, he also loved being around animals – especially his pony, Splash.

‘He brought us many laughs and was a comical character. He was brave, intelligent and full of many characteristics.

‘Daniel loved being with his whole family and will be missed by all. On behalf of our family, we ask people to respect our privacy.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE : July 4 shooting at Yellowstone National Park leaves one dead and ranger injured

MORE : ‘Living god’ from Coventry ‘used disciple’s daughters for sex’, court hears

MORE : Rookie PC stabbed in face with kitchen knife during domestic incident