Romford Raphael Park: Girl, 2, Hurt in Dog Attack

Key Points

• A two-year-old girl was allegedly attacked by two dogs at Raphael Park in Romford on Monday, 2 February 2026, at approximately 12.25pm.
• The toddler was in the park with her mother at the time of the incident.
• According to the mother, one dog bit her child, and the other followed.
• The girl sustained injuries including several punctures to her legs and arms, requiring hospital treatment.
• On Thursday, 5 February 2026, the Metropolitan Police seized two rottweiler-type dogs from an address in Romford.
• No arrests have been made as of 5 February 2026, but the police investigation remains ongoing.
• Officers have contacted the victim’s family to update them on the investigation’s progress.
• The Metropolitan Police described the incident as one they take “incredibly seriously”.
• The public is urged to contact police on 101 or online, quoting CAD 4365/02FEB, with any information.

Romford (East London Times) February 5, 2026 – A two-year-old girl suffered injuries requiring hospital treatment after allegedly being attacked by two dogs at Raphael Park in Romford. The incident occurred on Monday, 2 February 2026, at around 12.25pm while the toddler was with her mother. Police seized two rottweiler-type dogs from a Romford address today, though no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

What Happened at Raphael Park?

The attack took place in Raphael Park, a popular public green space in Romford, east London. As reported in initial accounts, the two-year-old girl was with her mother when the dogs approached. According to the mum, one dog bit her child, resulting in several punctures to the girl’s legs and arms, and the other dog followed. The child needed immediate hospital treatment for her injuries.

Police were alerted to the scene shortly after the incident on 2 February 2026. Witnesses and the mother provided details that prompted a swift response from the Metropolitan Police. The park, known for family outings, became the focus of an urgent inquiry into public safety amid rising concerns over dog attacks in urban areas.

When Did Police Seize the Dogs?

On Thursday, 5 February 2026, officers from the Metropolitan Police executed a seizure operation at an address in Romford. They recovered two rottweiler-type dogs believed to be involved in the attack. This action followed three days of investigation into the Monday incident.

The timing of the seizure underscores the police’s commitment to rapid response in such cases. As of this reporting, the dogs are in custody, pending further assessment under dangerous dog legislation. No details have emerged on the owners’ identities or the animals’ prior history.

What Are the Police Saying?

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson provided an official statement on the matter. “Officers are investigating an incident in Raphael Park, Romford, at around 12:25hrs on Monday, 2 February, where a two-year-old girl is alleged to have been attacked by two dogs, causing injuries that required hospital treatment,” the spokesperson said.

The statement continued: “We take incidents of this nature incredibly seriously. Earlier today, Thursday, 5 February, officers seized two rottweiler-type dogs from an address in Romford. We have been in touch with the victim’s family to update them on progress in the investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage and our investigation continues.”

This direct attribution from the Met Police spokesperson highlights their proactive engagement with the family and the public. The emphasis on taking such incidents “incredibly seriously” reflects broader departmental priorities on animal-related public safety threats.

How Severe Were the Girl’s Injuries?

The mother alleged that her daughter sustained several punctures to her legs and arms from the dog bite. These injuries necessitated hospital treatment, though specific details on the child’s current condition remain private. The toddler’s young age amplifies the gravity of the incident, as young children are particularly vulnerable in dog attack scenarios.

Medical professionals attended to the girl promptly post-incident. While no long-term prognosis has been released, the requirement for hospitalisation indicates significant trauma. Police updates to the family suggest ongoing monitoring of her recovery.

Who Owns the Rottweiler-Type Dogs?

Details on the dogs’ ownership have not been disclosed publicly as the investigation proceeds. The animals, described as rottweiler-type, were seized from a Romford address, but no names or connections to specific individuals have surfaced. Rottweilers and similar breeds often fall under scrutiny in the UK due to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which regulates certain powerful breeds.

The Met Police have not linked the dogs to any prior incidents, but their type raises questions about compliance with breed-specific legislation. Investigations typically involve assessing exemption certificates, microchipping, and muzzling requirements for such dogs in public spaces.

Why No Arrests Yet?

As stated by the Metropolitan Police spokesperson, “No arrests have been made at this stage and our investigation continues.” This position allows detectives time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and examine the dogs for forensic traces. Factors such as ownership verification and witness statements play key roles in building a case.

In similar past cases, arrests follow seizure once liabilities are established. The ongoing nature of the probe suggests police are methodically pursuing leads without premature action. Legal experts note that dog attack prosecutions require proving negligence or intent, which demands thorough inquiry.

What Should Witnesses Do?

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online, quoting CAD 4365/02FEB. This call for public assistance is standard in such investigations, aiming to corroborate the mother’s account and park timelines. CCTV footage, mobile recordings, or observations of the dogs pre- or post-incident could prove vital.

The Met Police’s outreach emphasises community involvement. Romford residents frequenting Raphael Park are uniquely positioned to aid the probe. Prompt responses to this appeal could accelerate resolutions and prevent future risks.

Where Does the Investigation Stand Now?

As of 5 February 2026, the Metropolitan Police continue their work following the dog seizure. Updates to the victim’s family indicate steady progress, though full closure awaits evidence analysis. The case aligns with national trends where dog attacks prompt heightened scrutiny on public spaces and pet controls.

Romford, part of the Havering borough, has seen occasional animal-related incidents, but this event spotlights park safety. Broader context includes the UK’s annual tally of dog bites, often exceeding thousands, with children disproportionately affected. Authorities monitor such cases to inform policy.

How Has the Family Responded?

The mother provided initial details on the attack sequence, noting one dog bit her child followed by the other. Police have maintained contact, offering reassurance amid distress. No further statements from the family have been issued, respecting their privacy during recovery.

This incident evokes sympathy for the toddler and her parent, thrust into a traumatic ordeal. Support services likely extend to counselling, given the psychological impact on young victims and guardians.

What Are the Risks in Raphael Park?

Raphael Park remains open, but the attack prompts vigilance advisories. Families are urged to supervise children closely near unfamiliar dogs. The park’s amenities attract crowds, yet unmanaged pets pose hazards, especially for toddlers.

Local councils enforce public space rules, including lead requirements. This case may spur reviews of signage, patrols, or byelaws in Havering parks. Community feedback often shapes enhancements post-incident.

Could This Lead to Legal Changes?

UK law under the Dangerous Dogs Act targets breeds like rottweilers, mandating controls. Successful prosecutions here could reinforce deterrence. Advocacy groups debate breed bans versus owner accountability, with data showing most attacks stem from negligence.

Parliamentary discussions occasionally revisit reforms, citing child victim statistics. This Romford case contributes to that discourse, potentially influencing enforcement or penalties.

Community Reactions in Romford?

While specific resident quotes are unavailable, similar incidents elsewhere elicit safety demands. Romford’s community, tight-knit and family-oriented, likely shares concerns over park usability. Social media buzz, though unverified, amplifies calls for dog warden increases.

Local figures may soon comment, mirroring responses in past east London cases. The Met’s transparency aims to rebuild trust amid worries.