Romford Raphael Park: Rottweilers Seize After Toddler Attack

Key Points

• Two rottweiler-type dogs seized by police following an alleged attack on a two-year-old girl at Raphael Park in Romford.
• Incident occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 12.25pm.
• The toddler was taken to hospital for her injuries after the “deeply concerning” event.
• Acting Chief Inspector Charlie Routley of the Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Team released a statement confirming the seizure of the dogs from an address in Romford.
• Police enquiries into the incident are ongoing; public urged to contact officers on 101 or online, quoting CAD 4365/02FEB.
• A/Chief Inspector Routley emphasised that dog owners must take “their responsibilities seriously” and keep pets under control “at all times” when in public.
• Statement expressed sympathies to the girl and her family, noting the fear such incidents provoke in parents, carers, and the community.
• Incident described as rare but a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership in Havering and beyond.

Romford (East London Times) February 7, 2026 – Two rottweiler-type dogs have been seized by Metropolitan Police officers after a two-year-old girl was allegedly attacked at Raphael Park in Romford on Monday, February 2, at around 12.25pm, prompting Acting Chief Inspector Charlie Routley to issue a statement urging dog owners to keep their pets under control.​

The toddler was rushed to hospital with injuries sustained in the incident, which police have described as “deeply concerning”. As reported in the Romford Recorder, A/Chief Inspector Routley, Acting Chief Inspector for the Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Team, confirmed that the two dogs were recovered from an address in Romford as part of the ongoing investigation.​

What Exactly Happened at Raphael Park?

The attack unfolded at Raphael Park, a popular public green space in Romford, east London, during midday on February 2, 2026. According to the initial police log, CAD 4365/02FEB, the incident involved the two-year-old girl coming into contact with two rottweiler-type dogs around 12.25pm. Emergency services responded swiftly, transporting the child to a local hospital where she received treatment for her injuries, the extent of which has not been publicly detailed beyond confirmation that she required medical attention.​

Eyewitness accounts have not yet been released in full, but the nature of the event—a sudden alleged attack in a family-friendly park—has heightened community concerns. Police have not specified if the dogs were off-lead or the precise circumstances leading to the contact, but the seizure indicates a serious response to mitigate further risks.

Who Is Acting Chief Inspector Charlie Routley and What Did He Say?

Acting Chief Inspector Charlie Routley, leading the Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Team, released an official statement on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service. As quoted directly by the Romford Recorder, A/Chief Inspector Routley said:

“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.”​

He continued, personalising the impact: “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 spaces on a regular basis.” This empathetic tone underscores the statement’s aim to reassure while addressing public anxiety. Routley further stated:

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

Why Were the Rottweiler-Type Dogs Seized?

The decision to seize the two rottweiler-type dogs came directly from an address in Romford, as confirmed by A/Chief Inspector Routley in his statement. This action forms a core part of the police investigation into the alleged attack. Rottweiler-type breeds have been subject to increased scrutiny in the UK due to past incidents involving powerful dogs, though no breed-specific legislation breach has been cited yet in this case.​

Police protocol in such matters typically involves securing animals to prevent further incidents and allow for assessment under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The Romford Recorder reports that the seizure was executed promptly following the hospitalisation of the girl, signalling a proactive stance.​

How Are Police Responding to the Incident?

Enquiries remain ongoing, with the Metropolitan Police actively seeking information from the public. Anyone with details is asked to contact officers via 101 or online, quoting CAD 4365/02FEB, as specified in Routley’s statement. This call for witnesses reflects standard procedure for park-based incidents where CCTV or bystander footage might exist.​

The Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Team, under Routley’s leadership, is focusing on both the immediate investigation and broader community safety. No arrests of owners have been announced, but the dog seizure suggests potential charges pending forensic or witness evidence.​

What Responsibilities Do Dog Owners Have?

A/Chief Inspector Routley explicitly urged dog owners to “take their responsibilities seriously” and keep pets under control “at all times” when in public. This aligns with UK laws requiring dogs to be on leads in public spaces unless in designated areas, and owners liable for attacks under civil and criminal statutes.​

His reminder positions the incident as a “call to action”, emphasising prevention over reaction. Romford Recorder coverage highlights how parks like Raphael Park, frequented by families, amplify the need for vigilance.​

What Is the Community Impact in Havering?

Raphael Park, a staple recreational spot in Romford, has seen heightened parental worry post-incident. Routley’s statement acknowledges this:

“the fear and concern that such incidents provoke in parents, carers and the wider community who use our parks and open spaces on a regular basis.”​

While described as “rare”, the event has sparked discussions on dog control in Havering borough. Local media, including the Romford Recorder, note no prior similar incidents at the park, but it serves as a stark reminder amid rising national concerns over dog attacks, with government statistics showing hundreds yearly.​

Are There Updates on the Toddler’s Condition?

The two-year-old girl was taken to hospital promptly after the 12.25pm incident. A/Chief Inspector Routley expressed hopes for her “full and speedy recovery” in his statement, but no further medical updates have been released, respecting family privacy.​

Police confirmation of hospitalisation underscores the injury’s seriousness, though specifics remain withheld. The Romford Recorder’s report, linking to the full story, indicates ongoing monitoring without elaboration.​

What Broader Lessons Can Be Drawn from This Event?

“This upsetting event should serve as a reminder… how crucial it is that every pet owner takes their responsibilities seriously,”

stated A/Chief Inspector Routley. Incidents like this, though rare, prompt reviews of public space safety in areas like Romford.​

Nationally, dog attacks have prompted calls for tighter controls, with breeds like rottweilers often in focus. Routley’s fatherly perspective humanises the issue, bridging police authority with community empathy.​

Background on Raphael Park and Romford

Raphael Park, located in Romford, Havering, is a well-used green space with playgrounds and paths, ideal for families. The February 2 incident at 12.25pm disrupted this norm, as detailed in the Romford Recorder.​

Romford, part of east London’s commuter belt, sees heavy park usage. The Havering Safer Neighbourhoods Team’s involvement reflects localised policing efforts.

Police Contact and Next Steps

The public is urged to assist: contact 101 or online with CAD 4365/02FEB. Enquiries continue, per Routley’s update.​

As reported by the Romford Recorder, this structured response aims for swift resolution while reinforcing safety messages.