‘XL bully’ attack leaves two women in hospital

Police called to scene as victims attacked in Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent

Two women have been taken to hospital after being attacked by a dog suspected of being an XL bully.

Emergency services were called to an address in Baker Crescent, Baddeley Green, Stoke-on-Trent, after reports of a dog attack inside just after 11.40am on Thursday, Staffordshire Police said.

Officers contained the dog, which will be put down, at the scene.

The victims are believed to be mother and daughter, the Mirror reports.

Have you been affected by this incident? If so email lydia.patrick@independent.co.uk

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: “The dog, believed at this time to be an XL Bully, attacked two women inside the address.

“They were taken to hospital by paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service. Officers contained the dog at the scene. Following liaison with its owners, it has since been ordered to be destroyed.”

The attack comes as the government looks to ban American XL bullies in response to a series of maulings, some of which have been deadly.

Rishi Sunak announced in September that the breed would be banned by the end of the year.

Ian Langley was killed in a separate dog attack last week (Sunderland Global Media)

The prime minister said the animals, which campaigners have linked to at least 14 human deaths since 2021, are a danger to children and communities, in a video posted to social media.

He said he shared “the nation’s horror” over videos of recent dog attacks and had ordered urgent work to define “and ban this breed so we can end these violent attacks and keep people safe.”

Last week in Sunderland, 54-year-old Ian Langley was mauled to death whilst walking his Patterdale puppy Beau.

He was described fondly by his friends as a ‘loveable rogue’ who wouldn’t have a chance against a big dog.

Anyone with helpful information about the latest incident has been asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 215 of October 12.