A nine-month-old baby who was mauled by an XL bully dog in Kent last month has returned home after spending three weeks in hospital.
Arabella Williams was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition following the attack at a house in Siskin Close, Hawkinge, near Folkestone, in Kent, on December 11.
The family has confirmed she is now recovering at home after being treated in the intensive care unit at King’s College Hospital in south London.
The dog responsible for the attack, an 18-month-old XL bully named Hunter, was seized at the scene and later destroyed.
Nine-month-old Arabella Williams was airlifted to hospital after the horrific incident in December 2024
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The incident prompted a major emergency response, with up to nine police patrol cars attending Siskin Close at around 2:30pm.
Police and forensics officers were deployed to the scene.
A builder working in the area told KentOnline: “I’ve been working here since March and it’s normally an incredibly quiet area. We have since heard about the baby girl involved in the incident and it sounds absolutely horrific.”
Arabella’s family revealed she was placed in an induced coma in intensive care to give her the best chance of recovery.
Her injuries did not require surgery during her three-week hospital stay.
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The Xl bully was destroyed following the attack (stock pic)
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Her grandfather told the local outlet: “Arabella is doing really well, bless her, as is her mum. She was put into an induced coma for the best positive outcome so she could get better, as she’s only a baby.”
He added: “The doctors and nurses were brilliant and supported the family at such a terrible time. Arabella’s mum would like to say a massive thank you to them and the air ambulance doctors.”
An 18-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. Both suspects remain on bail while investigations continue.
It emerged that Hunter had been seized by police 13 months before the attack on Arabella, following a report its owner had been bitten on the finger.
The incident took place on Siskin Close, Hawkinge, near Folkestone, in Kent
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The owner declined to voluntarily surrender the dog to be put down at that time.
Police said there were no legal grounds to retain the dog, but the owner was asked to accept conditions including keeping it secure and supervised.
The incident occurred before new legislation banning XL bullies came into force in February 2024.
Hunter had been registered under the controversial XL bully legislation.