27 February 2025 , 15:42
569
0
A woman has died after a dog attacked her in Bristol on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old had been inside a flat on Cobhorn Drive, in the city’s Hartcliffe area, when she was mauled around 7pm.
She was pronounced dead at the scene after an attempt by paramedics to save her.
Two people – a man and a woman, both in their 20s – have been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
They have also been arrested on suspicion of possession of a prohibited dog breed, believed to be an XL Bully, according to police.
It has since been sedated and seized by police, who are holding it for assessment by veterinary experts.
Neighbour Doreen Tovey found it ‘very frightening’. She told BBC News: ‘I came out my house to see what all the commotion was.
‘[There were] loads of police cars, riot van, ambulance across the road from me.’
Gary Steadman, who said he heard ‘screaming’, described the dog as ‘big, butch and brown and white’.
Neighbourhood Inspector Terry Murphy said: ‘Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with the family of the young woman who’s tragically died as a result of yesterday evening’s incident.
‘They have been updated and will be supported by a family liaison officer.
‘I’d also like to thank the officers and paramedics who attended yesterday evening and tried to save her life. Support is in place for them.
‘A full investigation is now well underway to establish the full circumstances of the events that led to her death.
‘As part of this work, Cobhorn Drive was closed last night and I thank everyone for their patience and understanding about our need to do this.
‘There will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, including neighbourhood officers, and if you have any concerns please do speak to them.’
An 84-year-old man was seriously injured when another dog – also believed to be an XL Bully – dragged him into a garden on Bardsley Avenue, in Warrington, on Monday.
Police shot the suspected XL Bully dead, and shot a second dog 19 times. A third smaller dog was also seized.
Last February, the government banned the ownership or possession of an XL Bully dog in England and Wales, unless you have a valid certificate of exemption.
It’s also illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed an XL Bully, or to have one in public without a lead or muzzle.