Armed police cordoned off an area around Gladstone Road in Eccles at around 9pm this evening (28th June), after reports that a woman had been attacked by a dog said to be an XL Bulldog breed.
The woman was seriously injured during the attack and is subsequently receiving treatment for her injuries having been transported to hospital.
Officers alongside members of the public, unsuccessfully attempted to regain control of the animal before the decision was made to destroy it at the scene.
Two men have been arrested and detained after becoming confrontational with the officers, it is unclear if they were responsible for the dog.
In a statement Greater Manchester Police, said:
“At around 9pm tonight (Friday 28 June 2024) on Gladstone Road in Eccles we were called to several reports of a dog dangerously out of control that was subsequently attacking the public and injured a woman in the process.
“Initially, both local officers and the public were unable to regain control of the dog.
“Specialised officers were deployed and tried to safely secure the XL Bully but were unsuccessful. This meant unfortunately due to the risk and harm it was causing as a banned breed it was destroyed at the scene as the last possible option.
“Two men were later arrested and detained after confronting officers. The woman victim is still receiving treatment for her injuries.
“We understand the concern this incident will raise within the community but our officers have a duty to act in challenging situations on a regular basis with the aim of keeping everyone safe.”
The UK has banned XL Bully dogs following concerns over a series of attacks attributed to this breed. The decision came amid growing public safety fears and calls for action from various advocacy groups. The government classified XL Bullies as a danger to the public, leading to their inclusion in the list of prohibited breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Owners of these dogs are now required to adhere to strict regulations, including mandatory neutering, microchipping, and keeping the dogs muzzled and on a lead in public spaces.
