Man arrested as XL Bully that attacked screaming girl, 11, 'set to be destroyed'

13 September 2023 , 10:27

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Footage of the attack was shared widely on social media (Image: SWNS)

A man has been arrested over a horror dog attack which saw an 11-year-old girl and two men savaged near a petrol station over the weekend.

The crossbreed Bully XL/Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy broke free from its collar and chased the girl - named Ana Paun - biting her shoulder and forearms in Bordesley Green, Birmingham on Saturday afternoon. The youngster has since been discharged from hospital, where she was treated for serious injuries.

Two men who intervened were also treated in hospital - one for bites to his shoulder and forearm, along with cuts and bruises from being dragged across the floor. Footage of the sustained attack had been widely shared on social media, showing several people fleeing the scene, while others tried to fight it off with a broom and spade.

In an update today, police confirmed a 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control. Councillor Nicky Brennan, the city's community safety and equalities lead, said she was told of a decision to humanely kill the animal in a briefing from the force's community safety team yesterday.

The sustained attack lasted for more than two minutes (SWNS)

According to Birmingham Live, she said: "The briefing detailed that a decision was taken that the dog will be destroyed. There’s no other option but to take this action with the dog. It’s a shame." A West Midlands Police spokesperson added: "A 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control.

Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams

"He has been bailed with conditions while enquiries continue. The dog currently remains in secure kennels." In the aftermath of the attack, Suella Braverman pushed for a ban on American bully XL dogs, saying they are a "clear and lethal danger", particularly to children.

The Cabinet minister announced she has commissioned "urgent advice" on outlawing the dogs after she highlighted the "appalling" attack. However, adding dogs to the banned list is the responsibility of Environment Secretary Therese Coffey's department, where it is understood there are concerns over the feasibility of adding the American Bully.

Ana Paun, 11, with her arm bandaged following the attack (Anita Maric / SWNS)

The dog is not a recognised as a specific breed by the Kennel Club. It could be hard to define and a ban could inadvertently outlaw a range of other dogs, some fear. Referring to the attack in Birmingham, Ms Braverman wrote: "This is appalling. The American XL Bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly to children.

"We can't go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them." The advice was commissioned last week, an adviser said. Ana, who was injured in the attack, backed the Home Secretary's calls to ban the breed. Speaking from her home on Monday, she said: "At the time I just felt panic.

Two men who intervened were also treated in hospital (SWNS)

"I went to the shop with my sister. The dog was staring at me. He jumped on my arm and bit me. It was so scary. I was screaming. He let my arm go and then bit my shoulder. I feel a bit better now. I went with the ambulance. I want him [the dog] to go away, to die. I think all of the dogs, the bull dogs, all of them should be banned."

Her mum, who wished to remain unnamed, added: "She's fine. She's been to hospital but she's fine, recovering now. I'm thanking to God she is alive." In a previous statement, West Midlands Police said: "We’re investigating after three people were bitten by a dog in Birmingham. An 11-year-old girl ran past the dog as it was being walked by its owner in Bordesley Green, when she was bitten.

"Two men intervened but were bitten and left with injuries to their shoulders and arms. They were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. The dog was initially taken to a local vet to be checked over before being taken into secure kennels while the investigation continues. The owner of the dog has been spoken to by officers."

Jane Haynes