Witnesses have said they heard screams during a fatal dog attack in south Bristol yesterday evening, Wednesday, February 26. A teenager died at the scene after she was attacked by what was believed to be an XL Bully-type dog in the Hartcliffe area at around 7.19pm.
The 19-year-old female victim is yet to be named officially named. One witness said the dog was ‘big, butch and brown and white’.
A neighbour of the deceased Julie Ann Dancer told BristolLive that residents were not made aware that anyone had died until this morning, Thursday, February 27. She said that neighbours, many of whom heard screaming as the fatal attack took place, were told that the young woman could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The dog was sedated and seized by police. Initial reports suggested that the dog was an XL Bully but vets are yet to confirm the breed. Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that the dog has now been destroyed.
Two people, a man and a woman in their 20s, have been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death and possession of a prohibited breed of dog. At the time of reporting, they remain in police custody.
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Witnesses have told the BBC that they heard “screaming” around the time of the attack. One person described the dog as “big, butch and brown and white”.
Also speaking to the BBC, another witness said: “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.”
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.”