Police have issued a major update after a woman was left with life-changing injuries following an XL Bully attack in Bristol.
Emergency services rushed to a home in Brislington following reports of a dog attack on Thursday afternoon.
Cops were forced to use riot shields as they stormed into the property shortly after 4pm. The dog was said to be out of control when they entered inside.
The woman, believed to be in her 40s, was found suffering from serious injuries. Avon and Somerset Police have since confirmed that the dog was contained and taken to a veterinary practice. The XL Bully has since been put down.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “A woman remains in a stable condition in hospital after being bitten by a dog at an address in Sutton Avenue, Bristol. Her injuries have been described as potentially life-changing.
“Enquiries were carried out at the scene following the incident at about 4.15pm yesterday (Thursday 10 April). The scene was stood down last night.”
The spokesperson offered an update into the condition of the dog and said: “The dog was sedated by specialist dog handlers and safely removed from the property.
“It was taken to a veterinary practice and has since been put down. We believe the dog involved was a XL Bully that had been registered.
“The local neighbourhood team will be carrying out extra high-visibility patrols in the area over the coming days and will be on hand to talk to anyone who has concerns.”
Locals earlier described the ordeal and said they could hear the dog’s “viscious” barks. One person said: “A dog was barking and at one stage the dog sounded really nasty, vicious.
“I’ve heard him bark before but this time there was a lot of screaming going on from the children and then everything went quiet.” They added: “I thought everything was under control. The next thing I knew, the police turned up.”
They continued: “I was out in the garden working and every time I go out there the dog would bark, which is only natural I suppose. But this particular time at one stage, the dog really started barking and growling a lot and then the kids started screaming.
“The adult was saying: ‘Shut up’ or trying to control the dog, I think. When the commotion started, I thought that sounded a little bit different than it usually is with the dog, with the growls and the barks.”
Another neighbour said: “There must have been about six vehicles and then the forensic van came after. There was a policewoman outside my gate and I think that’s when they were taking the dogs out.”
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