Tributes paid to 'kind' teen killed in dog attack

Sarah Turnnidge
BBC News, Bristol
Handout An image of Morgan Dorsett, who has blue hair and is smiling at the camera while holding her fingers in a heart shape up at the camera. Handout
Morgan Dorsett died at the scene of the attack on Wednesday

Tributes have been paid to a "beautiful and kind" teenager who was killed in a suspected XL bully attack.

Morgan Dorsett, 19, from Shropshire, died at about 19:00 GMT on 26 February at a flat on Cobhorn Drive, south Bristol.

A fundraiser to help cover funeral costs has amassed £6,500 in three days, its organiser Sharon Harris said: "Morgan was a truly beautiful girl. She was strong, kind and so full of life."

Ms Dorsett's former head teacher also issued a tribute, describing her as a "very kind and thoughtful person".

Pete Lowe-Werrell, head teacher at Mary Webb School in Pontesbury, near Shrewsbury, said: "Our thoughts are with Morgan's family and friends at this tremendously difficult time.

"We remember Morgan as very kind and thoughtful person who had a bright future ahead of her."

Ms Harris added that the money will also be spent on allowing "the family time to grieve by covering essential bills while they take time from work".

Handout Morgan, shown in a low-resolution picture, sticking her tongue out at the camera with her eyes closed. She has blue hair and wears a black top or jumper and heavy black eyeliner. Handout
Her former headteacher said she had "a bright future ahead of her"

A man and woman, both in their 20s, have been released on conditional bail after they were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and possession of a prohibited breed of dog.

Police confirmed following the incident that the dog had been sedated at the scene and later destroyed.

Work is ongoing to confirm the breed of the dog, but initial reports suggested it was an XL bully.

At a press conference on Thursday, Insp Terry Murphy, from Avon and Somerset Police, described the incident as "incredibly rare" and said a full investigation "to establish the full circumstances" was underway.

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