“Our lives will never be the same” – Family of Jack Lis release tribute through police

The family of a ten-year-old boy killed in a dog attack have said their lives “will never be the same” in a tribute issued to the media.

Cwm Ifor pupil Jack Lis was killed by the dog at a friend’s house on Monday, November 8.

In a statement issued to the media by Gwent Police, Jack’s family said: “We are absolutely heartbroken. Our lives will never be the same without Jack.

“This is not something any parent should ever have to be writing.

“We have so many words we want to say about our beautiful boy, but they do not seem enough.

“We love him more than words can describe. Our boy made us the proudest parents and family on the planet. He was the sweetest of boys.

“We will forever miss his quirky ways and his stories that he would spend so long telling us.

“He’s forever in our hearts. Sweet dreams Jack, our perfect boy.”

Inquest opens

An inquest into his Jack’s death opened at Newport Coroner’s Court on Friday, November 12.

The court heard how Jack had been playing outside his home with a friend, before heading to his friend’s house. When entering the house, Jack was attacked by the dog, Senior coroner for Gwent, Caroline Saunders said.

Jack’s injuries were described as “unsurvivable” and he was confirmed dead at 4.16pm.

The coroner opened a formal inquiry into Jack’s death, which she described as “violent and unnatural”.

The inquest has been adjourned while further inquiries are made. It will continue at a later date.

On Wednesday, Gwent Police confirmed a 28-year-old woman had been arrested following the attack, and has been released on conditional bail.

A 34-year-old man from the Mountain Ash area and a 19-year-old man from the Caerphilly area voluntarily spoke to police in relation to the offence, but were later released.

Gwent Police said it was called to the address, which is not the family home, at around 3.55pm on Monday, following reports of a dog attack.

Officers attended, including specially-trained firearms officers, with paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

The dog was shot dead by firearms officers. No other animals were involved.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hobrough, of Gwent Police, said: “The work to identify the breed of dog involved this attack continues.

“Once this is completed, we will be able to establish if the breed features on the list of illegal dogs to own in this country and any other criminal offences identified will be investigated fully by officers.

“I understand that there is a lot of interest about this in our communities.”

He added: “It is vital that people think about how their social media comments or posts could impact the ongoing investigation, and Jack’s grieving family.”