It was the stuff of nightmares or a horror film. A teenager was mauled so badly by an XL Bully-type dog that paramedics could not keep her alive long enough to get her to hospital – she died at the scene.
As they battled in vain to save her young life, a woman was seen in hysterics outside the flat where the attack took place. Neighbours identified her as the owner of the dog that launched the attack on the victim at a property in Cobhorn Drive, Withywood, South Bristol.
Paramedics reported the dog attack to Avon and Somerset Police soon after 7.19pm on the evening of Wednesday, February 26. Officers were at the scene within minutes and the road was closed. The dog was caught and sedated and a criminal investigation was launched, with two people being arrested.
A woman and a man, both in their 20s, were 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. They were taken into custody on Wednesday night.
Having been sedated, the dog believed to be responsible for the fatal attack was taken away. Vets will determine the breed of dog, thought to be an XL Bully or similar animal. On Thursday afternoon, officers confirmed that the animal had been destroyed.
Police remained at the scene collecting evidence into the small hours of Thursday morning. At the time of writing it is not clear whether or not the two people arrested are still in custody. To the best of our knowledge they are yet to be charged with any offence.
‘She was outside in absolute hysterics’
In the downstairs flat, neighbour Julie Ann said she first realised something was wrong when she saw the flashing lights. Other neighbours reported hearing screaming as the attack took place.
Julie Ann said: “She was outside the front in absolute hysterics. She’s only moved in maybe two weeks ago, but I was getting to know her. She seems very nice. She had a partner who was there a lot, they are just a young couple.
“It’s just such a shock, I’m very shocked. It was just awful. There were so many police here. I had the forensics going in the back garden last night, they were here until about one in the morning.”
Unconfirmed reports suggest the 19-year-old woman who died was a relative of the dog’s owner and was visiting at the time of the attack. Police are yet to confirm any details of the relationship, whether the victim lived in the property or whether there had been previous police contact with the household in question.
Neighbour ‘certain’ the dog was an XL Bully
Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, tried to comfort the hysterical young woman in her front garden as the gravity of what had happened to the victim was sinking in.
She said: “The moment she walked out the door I could hear her, and I ran over to her and said ‘Are you okay?’ She couldn’t talk or say a word. It was like she wasn’t there because of the shock.
“I genuinely feel that this was one of those freak accidents and wasn’t her fault. That’s how I feel. She seemed a lovely girl. I am still trying to process this. I was up all night awake trying to process this. I am shocked. I just can’t believe it’s happened and she hasn’t been there that long.”
The woman said she was certain the dog was an XL bully and had seen it on a lead with its owner.
“I do feel so sad for the dog owner. She did mention the dog wasn’t great with men, fine with women and children. I feel for her so, so much. It wasn’t her fault,” she said.
Police statement in full after fatal dog attack
A police press conference was held on Thursday afternoon at 2.30pm, close to where the attack took place. Neighbourhood Inspector for the Withywood area of South Bristol Terry Murphy addressed the media.
He said: “Good afternoon, so I am Neighbourhood Inspector Terry Murphy and shortly after 7.15pm yesterday eve we received a call from the ambulance service reporting a woman had been seriously injured in a dog attack inside at a property in south Bristol.
“The first officers arrived within five minutes but sadly despite the efforts from them and paramedics the 19-year-old woman died at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with the young woman’s family who have been updated about what has happened. A specially trained officer will keep them informed of developments during enquiries and we would ask the families privacy is respected at this hugely distressing time for them.
“A criminal investigation to fully establish the circumstances that led to this tragedy is underway. We can confirm two people, a man a woman both in their 20s have been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing death and possession of a prohibited breed.
“The dog which initial reports suggest may be an XL Bully remained in the address throughout. It was secured, sedated and seized. It has been taken for assessment by veterinary experts.
“We understand the local community will be shocked and saddened to learn of these events. Whilst we do not consider there to be any ongoing risk to the public we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to officers who would be happy to help.
“We would also like anyone who has any info who has any information they think could help investigation to please contact us by calling 101.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and the ambulance crew who attended last night, such incidents are incredibly rare and the circumstance they face are immensely difficult. We are ensuring welfare support is available to any officers who may benefit for it.”
Support is in place for paramedics and police officers who attended the scene. Floral tributes have been laid near the scene of the fatal dog attack.