Two people who had been arrested after a dog attacked and killed a woman in Bristol have been released on bail. Investigations are continuing into the attack, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old woman in Withywood.
A man and a woman, both in their 20s, were arrested on Wednesday evening 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. In an update given today, Friday, February 28, an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said they have both been released on bail.
The arrests came after police and ambulance crews were called to Cobhorn Drive at around 7.20pm on Wednesday, February 26, where a young woman was attacked by a dog. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a 19-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene after attempts to save her life failed.
Tributes have been paid to the young woman, who has yet to be named officially. The dog, which police say may be an XL Bully, was seized by officers and sedated at the scene. Police have since confirmed the dog has been destroyed.
The dog involved was subjected to assessment by veterinary experts, but the exact breed has not yet been confirmed. Initial reports suggest it may be an XL Bully, which are illegal to own without an exemption certificate as of February 2024.
Witnesses reported hearing screams during the fatal attack in south Bristol, with one describing the animal as ‘big, butch and brown and white’. Neighbour, Julie Ann, 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.
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.”