An 18-month-old Crawley girl who was mauled by her uncle's dog died of haemorrhaging and fracturing of the skull from multiple bites, police have said.

The toddler, named by officers as Zumer Ahmed, was attacked by the animal, believed to be an American bulldog, at her home in Cotton Walk, Broadfield, on Saturday.

Her uncle, Urfan Ahmed, 32, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released on bail until July 15 pending further inquiries.

The attack happened in front of the girl's three-year-old sister, mother and grandmother, according to Sussex Police.

Workmen from a nearby property, including plumber Saqib Nazir, 32, managed to rescue the youngster from the dog's jaws, forcing the dog away using a towel, pipe bender and spirit level.

The dog is now being held by police, and will be destroyed.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, who is leading the major crime branch investigation, said: "Officers have been working through the night to build up a picture of what led to this appalling tragedy. It appears that the little girl was in the kitchen with her grandmother, mother and three-year-old sister when the dog entered the house from the garden.

"What happened next was truly horrific as the dog picked up the child and attacked it in front of her family. Two workmen at a nearby property heard screaming and ran to the house to help. They were able to distract the animal, who dropped the baby from its jaws. One of them then pulled the child to safety before an ambulance was called."

The child's uncle, who also lives at the address and is the owner of the dog, was not present at the time of the attack but arrived shortly afterwards and was arrested. The police spokeswoman said confirmation was being sought by detectives on the breed of the animal thought to be an American bulldog, she added: "This is not a breed to be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act."