POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy in Antrim believe he may have been attacked by a German Shepherd dog.

Paramedics were called to a home in the Queen’s Avenue area of Newtownabbey around midday yesterday.

A neighbour said she heard loud noises coming from the house just before emergency services arrived on scene, according to the BBC.

The area surrounding the house has been cordoned off and forensic officers were examining the scene yesterday evening.

A post-mortem examination is due take place.

SDLP councillor Noreen McClelland, who attended the scene, said neighbours have been left deeply shocked.

“There are no words to describe the horror in this community – people are just devastated,” McClelland said.

My thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family and friends at this horrendous time.

“I know that people will rally around them to offer their support.”