A young child has died after being attacked by a dog at a property in Aranui.

Emergency services were called to an address on Basingstoke Street at about 4.45PM on Friday following a report that a child had suffered serious dog bite injuries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said emergency services found the child in a critical condition.

Despite the immediate efforts of first responders and a member of the household, the child died at the scene.

The dog involved was known to the occupants and lived at the property.

Police remained at the address carrying out a scene examination.

Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the attack were continuing, and the occupants were assisting police.

“Police extend their condolences to the child’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected,” Overend said.

A St John spokesman said they responded with an ambulance, operations manager, and three rapid response vehicles.

A Christchurch City Council spokesperson referred all inquires to police.