Girl, 8, critically injured by pit bull in Delaware

NEWARK, DE -- Delaware authorities say an 8-year-old girl received life-threatening injuries when she was mauled by her family's pit bull.

The dog was shot and killed by a Newark, Delaware, police officer following the attack inside a home on Saturday afternoon.

New Castle County paramedics say the girl sustained multiple dog bites, suffering severe soft-tissue injuries and bleeding. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition and was later flown to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Police say the attack occurred about 1 p.m. The victim and a 15-year-old girl were in a room with the dog when it attacked. The older girl called 911, but police say the dog prevented them from escaping the room.

Police say the dog was aggressive toward officers, leading an officer to shoot and kill it.