DETROIT (WWJ) - A three-week-old girl is dead after being mauled by a pit bull on Detroit’s west side.

Sgt. Eren Stephens said the incident happened inside of a home on Staheilin street, near Tireman and the Southfield Freeway, around 5:45 p.m. Thursday.

Investigators say the 24-year-old mother went inside of the home and placed her infant daughter, who was strapped in a car seat, on the floor. The mother walked away for a moment and when she returned, she saw the pit bull attacking her daughter.

The child was taken to Sinai-Grace Hospital for medical treatment, but died from the injuries.

Police say the mother told them she didn’t know the dog was loose in the home. Stephens said it’s too early to decide if charges will be filed in the case.

The dog was removed from the home Thursday night and taken to an animal control facility.

Neighbors expressed shock and sadness upon hearing of the girl’s death.

“This is ridiculous and you see it on the news every day about these dogs, okay, you see it every day. You see it’s about kids, okay, protect your kids. If you love them, you had them, you have to protect them,” said one neighbor.

This neighbor, Rosa Bell, didn’t know the family but was brought to tears over the baby’s tragic death.

“I’m very hurt on the inside. That could have been my grandbaby. I’m not understanding this, something needs to be done. Keep these dogs away, period,” said Bell.

Police say an investigation is ongoing.