Police have put down four dogs after the body of a teenage girl was found at a Greater Manchester house in which the animals were described as out of control.

The body of the girl, believed to be 14, was discovered by police at a home in Wigan, Greater Manchester, where officers were confronted by “a number of dogs that were aggressive and out of control”.

Four dogs were humanely destroyed by armed police officers after the discovery, Greater Manchester Police said. They will be examined as part of the investigation.

A fifth dog was inside the house, and was securely controlled throughout. The breed of the dogs involved has not been confirmed. Investigations are continuing.

Greater Manchester police said the girl is believed to have been visiting the address and nobody else was present. All five dogs were at the address.

‘Tragic loss of life’

Force Superintendent Mark Kenny said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life.

“I understand this is an extremely distressing incident for all concerned, including the community, and we will work hard to establish the full circumstances that lead to this tragedy.

“There will be a significant police presence in the area, which will remain this afternoon and evening. We will be there to carry out an investigation and address any concerns residents may have.

“It would be too early for us to speculate about what has happened, and further information will be released when it becomes available.”