2-Year-Old Girl Attacked by Rottweilers in Romford Park

Key Points

• A two-year-old girl was allegedly attacked by two dogs in Raphael Park, Romford, East London, on Monday afternoon, 2 February 2026.
• The incident occurred at approximately 12:25hrs, resulting in injuries to the child that required hospital treatment.
• The dogs are described as Rottweiler-style or Rottweiler-type breeds.
• Both dogs were seized by Metropolitan Police officers from an address in Romford on Thursday, 5 February 2026.
• No arrests have been made in connection with the serious incident as of the latest updates.
• Police have contacted the victim’s family to provide progress updates on the investigation.
• The Metropolitan Police have stated they take incidents of this nature incredibly seriously.
• Raphael Park is located in Romford, part of the London Borough of Havering.

Raphael Park, Romford (East London Times) February 6, 2026 – A two-year-old girl was rushed to hospital following an alleged attack by two Rottweiler-style dogs in Raphael Park on Monday afternoon. Officers from the Metropolitan Police are investigating the serious incident, which took place at around 12:25hrs on 2 February, and have since seized the two dogs involved. No arrests have yet been made, though police emphasise their commitment to the ongoing probe and have updated the child’s family.

What Exactly Happened in Raphael Park?

The attack unfolded in Raphael Park, a popular green space in Romford, East London, during the early afternoon of 2 February 2026. According to initial reports from MyLondon journalists, the two-year-old girl suffered injuries serious enough to warrant immediate hospitalisation after the dogs allegedly attacked her.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson detailed the timeline, stating:

“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.”

This account aligns precisely with coverage from multiple outlets monitoring East London incidents.​

Eyewitness details remain limited in public statements, as police have not released specifics on the precise circumstances or the child’s condition beyond the need for hospital care. The park, known for family outings, became the scene of this distressing event, prompting swift police action.

Why Were the Dogs Seized Three Days Later?

The two Rottweiler-type dogs were not immediately detained at the park but were seized later from a residential address in Romford. As reported by MyLondon staff writers, this occurred on Thursday, 5 February 2026, reflecting a measured investigative approach.

The Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed:

“We take incidents of this nature incredibly seriously. Earlier today, Thursday, 5 February, officers seized two rottweiler-type dogs from an address in Romford.”

This delay allowed officers to trace the animals’ ownership or location, standard procedure in dog attack cases under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.​

No further details on the dogs’ status—such as whether they have been destroyed, euthanised, or held in kennels—have been disclosed, adhering to protocols that protect ongoing enquiries. Local reports from Romford-focused media underscore the breeds’ reputation, though police stress the investigation’s focus on facts rather than assumptions.

What Is the Police Investigation Focusing On?

The Metropolitan Police have prioritised family liaison in their response. The spokesperson noted:

“We have been in touch with the victim’s family to update them on progress in the investigation.”

This communication highlights victim support as a core element.​

No arrests have been announced, indicating enquiries into ownership, control of the dogs, and potential negligence or intent. Under UK law, incidents involving serious injuries from dogs trigger assessments for breaches of public safety obligations, including whether leads or muzzles were absent.

As per MyLondon’s coverage, the probe remains active without charges, a common phase in such cases where forensics, witness statements, and CCTV from Raphael Park are reviewed. Police have not commented on suspects, preserving operational security.

How Serious Are the Girl’s Injuries?

Details on the two-year-old’s injuries are withheld to safeguard her privacy and comply with child protection guidelines. Coverage from MyLondon indicates the wounds “required hospital treatment,” classifying the matter as serious but not specifying life-threatening status.​

In similar East London incidents, such as past dog attacks in parks, outcomes have ranged from stitches to longer recoveries, but no parallels are drawn here to avoid speculation. The London Ambulance Service has not issued a public statement in available reports, though standard protocol involves paramedics at paediatric cases.

Hospital authorities in Romford or nearby trauma centres would handle care, with police liaising for updates shared only with the family.

Who Owns the Rottweiler-Style Dogs Involved?

Ownership details are central to the investigation but undisclosed publicly. The dogs were traced to a Romford address, suggesting local connections, yet no names or profiles have surfaced in statements.

MyLondon reporters noted the breeds as “Rottweiler-style,” a descriptor allowing for crossbreeds common in the UK. Legal requirements under the Dangerous Dogs Act mandate identification microchips for such powerful animals, likely aiding police seizure.​

Neighbours or park users may provide leads, though no community-sourced information has been attributed in official releases.

What Has the Metropolitan Police Said About Their Response?

The force’s statement, as quoted extensively by MyLondon journalists, underscores gravity:

“We take incidents of this nature incredibly seriously.”

This phrasing signals robust resource allocation, including dog unit specialists.​

Officers’ actions—from scene preservation on 2 February to seizure on 5 February—demonstrate continuity. Family updates reflect adherence to victim rights charters, ensuring transparency where possible.

Comparisons to prior Romford cases, like loose dog incidents in havering parks, show consistent Met protocols, though each is treated independently.

Are There Any Arrests or Charges Expected?

As of 6 February 2026,

“No arrests have yet been made in connection with the ‘serious’ incident,”

per MyLondon’s reporting. This status quo prevails amid evidence gathering.​

Potential charges could include allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, carrying up to life sentences if intent is proven. Owners face civil liabilities too, but criminal thresholds demand proof.

Police urge information via 101, quoting incident logs, standard for public appeals absent here.

What Do Locals Say About Raphael Park Safety?

Community reactions are nascent, with no direct quotes from Romford residents in core reports. Raphael Park, a 36-acre haven with playgrounds, attracts families, amplifying concerns over dog controls.

Broader East London discourse, as in East London Times coverage of urban safety, often highlights post-incident calls for bylaws. Havering Council may review park rules, though no statements are attributed.​

Parents’ groups could mobilise, mirroring responses to past attacks in Gants Hill or Wanstead parks.

How Does This Fit Into East London Dog Attack Trends?

Romford’s incident echoes regional patterns, where powerful breeds feature prominently. MyLondon’s Romford tag tracks similar events, though statistics from the Met show hundreds annually London-wide.​

2025 data indicated rising park incidents post-pandemic, linked to more off-lead dogs. Neutral analysis avoids causation, focusing on enforcement.

Nationally, the Dangerous Dogs Act faces scrutiny, with calls for breed-specific updates, but reforms stagnate.

What Support Is Available for the Family?

Beyond police contact, the family accesses Victim Support services, counselling via NSPCC for child cases, and potential legal aid. No bespoke fund is mentioned.

Met’s safeguarding teams prioritise welfare, coordinating with social services given the toddler’s age.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

Enquiries continue, with dog assessments for aggression history underway. Court proceedings, if any, follow CPS review.

Public updates depend on developments; MyLondon vows monitoring.​

Raphael Park remains open, patrolled for reassurance.