A HEROIC mother saved the life of her toddler but could not save her baby boy who died during a savage dog attack.

Jade Rogers managed to fight off Staffordshire Bull Terrier Bailey at a home in Colchester but not before he had killed four-month-old Archie Joe Darby.

At an inquest into his death yesterday Area Coroner Eleanor McGann ruled he died as a result of an accident.

His brother Daniel-Jay Darby, who will turn two at the weekend, also suffered life changing injuries.

The horrific incident took place at about 3.10pm on Thursday, October 13, at a property on Harwich Road, Colchester.

Miss Rogers, 24, was alone at her sister’s home at the time and her account of what happened was read by Det Insp Gary Biddle from Essex Police.

The inquest heard “Archie was in her arms and Daniel was playing close by.

“She was on the phone.

“At that point Jade saw the dog come into the living room.

“There was an immediate change in his behaviour.”

Bailey, who had never shown any signs of violence previously, began growling and, before Miss Rogers could react, his attack began.

Det Biddle explained: “He attacked Daniel. The dog went straight for his head and started biting and shaking his head.”

Jade went to his rescue with Archie still in her arms.

The inquest heard: “The dog dropped Daniel and grabbed Archie out of her arms.

“The dog then shook Archie around the room and then dropped Archie.

“At that stage she knew instinctively Archie was dead.”

Miss Rogers ran into the kitchen with Daniel and dialled 999 for the ambulance service while the out of control dog followed and grabbed Daniel from the kitchen counter.

She managed to wrestle Bailey free and get him into the conservatory and barricade him in.

It would later take several officers and specialist equipment to move him but the boy’s mother was able to get him away, while being attacked herself.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene.

Paramedics, from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, attempted CPR on the baby but he could not be revived.

Baby Archie was pronounced dead at 4.02pm at Colchester General Hospital.

Following the attack Archie Joe Darby’s body was taken to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

A post mortem examination was carried out by Dr Nat Carey and Dr Palm with the provisional cause of death given as severe head injuries consistent with a dog attack.

Daniel-Jay Darby is recovering from his injuries.

Mrs McGann praised Miss Rogers for her bravery and everything she did to try and save her children.

She said: "Nobody was to blame. It was one of those horrendous things that comes out of the blue.

"Miss Rogers, I commend you for your bravery fighting off a dog attacking both of your children.

"You carried on fighting until you could get the dog away from your children."

A verdict of accidental death was recorded and the inquest was closed.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Essex Police conducted an investigation to establish the facts surrounding the circumstances of the attack.

"A post-mortem examination on the dog showed it was healthy and well cared for, and there were no signs of disease or ill health. 

"Additionally, nothing was identified in the dog’s history, or in the care of the dog, to suggest there had ever been any concern to predict an incident of this nature could occur.

"Following a thorough investigation, and after consulting the Crown Prosecution Service, it has been established that no criminal offences have been committed."