Mum Abigail Ellis posted photos of her cradling her newborn son Elon – calling him her “gorgeous baby boy” – who was savaged to death by a dog at a home in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, less than two weeks later
Dad Stephen Joynes wrote “2020 not that bad I suppose. Little baby Elon couldn’t be more chuffed with little Elon”. He said his son weighed weighed 6lb 11oz and added in a comment: “Beauty, isn’t he?”
It is believed Abigail’s three other older children – two boys and a girl – were in the home when the tragedy happened. Her long-term partner Joel, the father of the three children, died about 18 months ago, said neighbours.
Abigail was said to be “in pieces” and being comforted by friends and neighbours after the latest tragedy.
Police have arrested a 27-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following the death in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
One of Abigail’s closest pals said: “She has suffered such tragedy in her life, her dad died and then her partner died.
“They were childhood sweethearts. She was a mess when she lost him.
“This baby was her fresh start, her ray of hope, he’s got kids too and it joined their families together.
“This will break her. They were about 14 or 15 years old when they got together.
“They loved each other to bits.
“She was a brilliant mum and would do anything for those kids. She would always put them first.
“When he died her dad had not long died. She was a real daddy’s girl and they always had dogs.
“She loves dogs and would never have a dog around the kids if she thought they were dangerous.”
Another close friend said the family “is grieving” and “it’s a hard time for everyone at the minute”, as she declined to comment further.
The newborn baby suffered serious injuries when he was attacked by the dog at about 3.30pm on Sunday.
He died in hospital the same day, and neighbours told how they watched as police struggled to remove the “big fluffy” dog from the property.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed the dog was a crossbreed, but did not provide any more details. It is understood the dog is part Akita.
The woman and man who were arrested have both been bailed while officers’ inquiries continue.
According to her Facebook profile, Abigail and Stephen announced they were in a relationship in July 2019 and got engaged on September 11 last year. Their son was born just under a year later.
Heartbroken neighbours and friends have left tributes to the newborn baby (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
Stephen wrote that he “couldn’t be more chuffed with little Elon” (Image: Facebook)
Facebook pictures posted earlier this month show Abigail’s three children, from her previous relationship, cradling their baby brother.
Friends congratulated the couple earlier this month as the mum and dad posted pictures of their newborn.
One wrote: “Awww he’s beaut, congrats again.”
Another added: “Congratulations hunny hope all ok.”
Abigail’s long-term partner Joel, the father of her three other children, died about 18 months ago, said neighbours
The couple’s neighbours, who did not wish to be named, were in tears over the tragedy, and said the mum suffered a double tragedy after she lost her long-term partner around 18 months ago.
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is heartbreaking, it’s just shocking. It’s a tragedy upon a tragedy.
“Her previous partner was such a loving father and appeared to be great around the house, we would always see him hanging the washing out and doing his bit.
“They just looked like such a lovely family, they were always together and always happy.”
A neighbour leaves flowers at the gate of the house in Doncaster (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
The neighbour said they did not know what breed the dog was, but it was “big and furry”.
The older children – two boys and the youngest, a girl – were “lovely and polite” and “well cared for”.
The neighbour added: “The children would often come to our house and ask for a cup of sugar or some milk, they were just lovely, so well looked after and cared for.
“They were always lovely and polite, they were as happy as Larry. They were not neglected.”
Police cars flooded the road on Sunday and forensic officers combed the scene after the dog was taken away in a van.
Two people have been arrested following the dog attack (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
The neighbour said: “I saw at least three police cars turn up, there was just lots of commotion, and more turned up.
“Then someone came for the dog in a van and I saw forensic officers taking pictures of the scene.
“That was when I knew it was serious. I thought ‘oh gosh, something must have happened to the dog’.
“It was a large dog with lots of fur. I’m not sure what breed, but it was very big.”
Another neighbour said she thought the family had three dogs, including a German shepherd.
