Police Statement following the Distressing incident in Raphael Park.

Chief Inspector Routley has shared the following statement after a very distressing incident at Raphael Park in Romford on Monday 2 February 2026, where a two year old girl was mauled by two large dogs. Mr Routley expressed his deep sorrow following the incident, stating that “first and foremost, on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service, our thoughts are with the young girl and her family at this difficult time,” as police continue their investigation and two dogs have been seized.

Please read Chief Inspector Routley’s statement below:

I am writing to you today following the distressing events that occurred in Raphael Park, Romford on Monday 2 February 2026, whereby a two-year-old girl was injured in an incident involving two dogs. The child was taken to hospital for treatment for her injuries, and while enquiries remain ongoing, we have seized two rottweiler-type dogs from an address in Romford as part of our investigation

First and foremost, on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service, our thoughts are with the young girl and her family at this difficult time, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery. As a father myself, I know only too well the fear and concern that such incidents provoke in parents, carers and the wider community who use our parks and open public spaces on a regular basis

This upsetting event should serve as a reminder and call to action for all responsible dog owners in Havering and beyond

Parks and open public spaces are places for our community to enjoy safely, particularly where families with young children gather. Ensuring the safety of everyone using these spaces relies on responsible behaviour by all dog owners at all times.

As a dog owner, you are responsible for:

• Keeping your dog under control at all times when in public – this includes being able to call your dog back, securing them on a lead when necessary, and ensuring they behave safely around other people and animals.
• Understanding and complying with any local restrictions or requirements that apply in parks or open spaces.
• Acting promptly to prevent your dog from causing injury or alarm to others.

Incidents like this are rare but deeply concerning to the community, and they remind us how crucial it is that every pet owner takes their responsibilities seriously. We all share these public spaces, and the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable residents must always be paramount.

Thank you to the members of our community who have already come forward with information to assist the ongoing investigation. Police enquiries continue, and anyone with relevant information can contact us via 101 or online, quoting CAD reference 4365/02FEB

Together, let us work to ensure our parks and open spaces are safe places for everyone.

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