The quiet village of Rogiet, nestled in Monmouthshire, south-east Wales, has been left reeling after a tragic event that has shaken its very core. On Sunday evening, November 2, 2025, a nine-month-old baby was killed in a dog attack at a property on Crossway, sending shockwaves through the close-knit community and prompting an outpouring of grief, disbelief, and support.
According to Gwent Police, officers and paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service rushed to the scene at around 6pm after receiving reports of a medical emergency. The urgency was palpable, with the Welsh Ambulance Service dispatching a Cymru high acuity response unit, an advanced paramedic practitioner, a duty operations manager, and one emergency ambulance. The crews were further bolstered by the hazardous area response team, underscoring the severity of the situation. Despite their swift and comprehensive response, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Superintendent John Davies of Gwent Police addressed the community’s understandable anxiety, stating, “We understand that there will be concerns around this incident, but officers are on scene and will be making further enquiries as the investigation progresses. If you have concerns or information then please do stop and talk with us.” His words, reported by BBC and other outlets, aimed both to reassure residents and to encourage the sharing of any potentially relevant information as the police piece together the circumstances of this tragedy.
The dog involved in the attack was seized and removed from the property by authorities. As of the latest updates, Gwent Police are working to establish the breed of the animal, a detail that may become crucial as the investigation unfolds. Notably, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident so far.
The loss has sent ripples of grief and shock throughout Rogiet. Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic dog attack that occurred in Rogiet yesterday evening. My thoughts are with the loved ones of the nine-month-old child who lost their life.” Her statement, echoed in local media, captured the sense of collective mourning that has enveloped the village.
Residents described the flurry of emergency vehicles on their usually quiet street late Sunday night. For many, the sight was both bewildering and terrifying. Rogiet county councillor Peter Strong described the village as “in mourning,” and shared on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, “It’s a deep and profound sense of shock that such a thing should happen in amidst our quiet community. A baby is a deep source of joy and love, and to lose a baby in these circumstances is just awful.” He urged his fellow residents to “stay calm – [and] to give the family the space they need to grieve in peace.”
The sense of solidarity in Rogiet has been striking. Rogiet Community Junction, a local community shop and café, immediately opened its doors to those affected by the tragedy, offering what trustee Katherine Close called “a safe space to come and talk” and a “shoulder to cry on” for anyone in distress. “I feel for the family – for what they are going through – for the whole street really, because we are a close-knit community, and it will knock them for six,” Close told reporters. She added, “We’ve had a lot of mums and babies come through the café over the years. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Other villagers echoed the sentiment. Craig Owen, a neighbor, remarked, “We don’t really see [the family] much, to be honest – they were just renovating for a time. It’s just awful.” Rose Baxter-Jones, another resident, emphasized, “We’re a really tiny village and a really tight-knit community. I think we all really feel it deeply. I know we’re all feeling absolutely devastated, and really grieving with the family. I’m sending them so much love and all of our sympathies at this just horrendous, horrendous time. I think this will be one of those things that the community feels for a very long time.”
Jane Waters-Davies, reflecting on the incident, shared a thought that likely haunts many pet owners: “You kind of play it through your head, the horror of that scenario. It’s so tragic. What that poor family must be going through is just horrendous. So many families have pets. You trust them because you know them – you always think it’s never going to happen.” Her words, reported by BBC, highlight a chilling reality that has hit home for many in Rogiet and beyond.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing. Police have been careful to balance the need for answers with respect for the grieving family’s privacy. No details have yet been released regarding the possible cause of the attack, and authorities have made no public statements about whether the dog had any history of aggression. The focus, for now, remains on supporting the family and community through an unimaginable loss.
In the aftermath, the community’s resilience and compassion have been on full display. Local leaders, neighbors, and community organizations have all rallied to provide comfort and practical support. The Rogiet Community Junction’s open-door policy, in particular, has given many residents a place to process their emotions collectively—a testament to the strength of communal bonds in times of crisis.
As the investigation continues, questions about dog safety, responsible pet ownership, and the adequacy of current regulations are likely to come to the fore. For now, however, Rogiet is united in mourning, offering what solace it can to a family facing the unthinkable.
This tragedy has left a mark that will not soon fade. For a village so defined by its sense of togetherness, the loss of a child in such harrowing circumstances is both a communal and a deeply personal sorrow. Yet, in their grief, residents have shown a determination to support one another, to stand together, and to honor the memory of a life lost far too soon.
