The dog that savaged John-Paul Massey to death was an illegally-held pit bull-type dog banned for being too dangerous to keep, it has been revealed.

The four-year-old boy was attacked by the dog in the early hours of Monday morning at the home of his grandmother, Helen Foulkes, 63, in Liverpool.

The animal, called Uno, also savaged her as she tried to protect the boy she was babysitting at her home on Ash Grove in the city's Wavertree area.

Merseyside Police admitted they were told months ago that a banned pit bull-type dog had been seen at the house.

Deputy Chief Constable Patricia Gallan, of Merseyside Police, said yesterday: "Following extensive examinations and a post-mortem, an independent expert has confirmed that, in his opinion, the dog involved in the incident in Ash Grove, Wavertree, yesterday is a pit bull terrier-type dog which is classified as a dangerous dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

"Our thoughts remain with John-Paul's family at this time following his tragic death. A child's life has been lost and it is essential that we determine the exact circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

"On behalf of Merseyside Police, I am deeply concerned and very disappointed that our policy was not followed in February when we received a call alerting us to the possible breeding of pit bull terriers at the house where the attack took place.

"This is clearly unacceptable and we are sorry that Merseyside Police did not take the appropriate course of action at that time. Given the seriousness of this situation, and our failure to follow our own procedure, we have referred this case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who will be carrying out an independent investigation."