AN East Lancashire MP has called for stricter controls on dogs after the death of a four-year-old girl.

Lexi Branson was killed when the family’s re-homed 10-stone dog, whose breed was not yet known, attacked her on Tuesday in Leicester.

Her mum, Jodie Hudson, stabbed the dog in an attempt to save her daughter’s life.

Hyndburn and Haslingden MP Graham Jones said Lexi looked ‘just like’ his own daughter, who is also four.

He said: “When I watched the news, I was absolutely devastated, so I could not help but think about what the family must be going through. It was just horrific.

“There will always be accidents, but we need to minimise the chance of an accident occurring, and that means tackling irresponsible dog owners and dealing with aggressive breeds. It means better and tougher legislation on dogs. These dangerous dogs are at least partly responsible, for the vicious attacks they carry out.”

Darwen man Martin Ainsworth rescued a 73-year-old woman from two stray dogs in April. He said: “Dogs should never be left alone with children. You can’t guess what’s in their head. They have evolved to hunt and attack.”

Tough new controls on dogs are being considered for children’s play areas, cemeteries, church grounds and sports fields across Blackburn with Darwen, subject to public consultation.

Last month, a distraught cat owner called for a change in the law after dogs killed her pet.

And last week, council officials, police and the RSPCA were in Colne to launch a new dangerous dogs campaign.

The leaflet advised residents on what to do if they are concerned about a dog’s behaviour.