The family of a young girl who was fatally shot by a neighbour’s dog has expressed its sorrow at the loss.

In a statement released on Saturday, the family of Olivia López-Carrasco, a second-grader at Rosario Elementary School in the Bronx, described the tragic events of January 6.

Their child Olivia László, who was killed by a dog, was the victim of an unprovoked act of violence.

She was a sweet, shy and beautiful little girl.

Her parents said that in the span of a year, Olivia was subjected to several unprovised attacks by her neighbour, her mother said.

Her death was one of many that has devastated the family, the statement said.

In the statement, the parents said they would like to offer their sincere condolences to the families of Olivia and the other children killed by the dog.

Olivia’s mother, who did not wish to give her last name, said her daughter had been “a beautiful girl” and was “a kind and gentle soul”.

“We are still reeling from her death,” the statement continued.

“We ask that the media respect the privacy of the families and that their privacy is respected.

Ossia’s life and that of our family was cut short by violence.

The circumstances surrounding her death are so tragic and it has left us without the love and support of our community.”

The statement continued: “Olivie loved her family, and they would always love her back.

Olivia loved to walk, and she loved to sing.

She was always the most beautiful of us.

We will never understand the loss that Olivia’s death has caused.

Olivia was always an amazing little girl.”