Six people mauled in vicious dog attack by XL Bully cross & French Bulldog

Six people have suffered injuries following a vicious dog attack in Warwickshire, which also saw a pet dog injured in the fray.

The attack took place on Thursday, shortly before midday in the Polesworth area, with Warwickshire Police originally alerted to the incident by reports of two dogs running loose on Park Street.

The animals, believed to be an XL Bully Cross and a French Bulldog, attacked members of the public and another pet dog, with several brave bystanders stepping in to try and pull the animals away, where they were secured in a garden and van until authorities could arrive.

Unfortunately, while securing them, six people suffered minor injuries including bites and puncture wounds, however the condition of the dog that was initially attacked currently remains unknown.

Following the attack, police seized both aggressive dogs and took them into custody, with a man subsequently arrested on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

The 49 year old from Tamworth has been released on bail until the end of November as enquiries continue.

Speaking about the incident, North Warwickshire Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector, Andi Gibbons said:"Thank you to those who called 999, and to those brave members of the public who stepped in to help - they should be incredibly proud of what they did.

"We understand this caused a lot of concern in the area and has led to a lot a speculation in the community. We'd like to reassure everyone that we've begun a full investigation to get to the bottom of what happened.

"The six members of the public suffered largely superficial injuries - including bite marks, scratches and puncture wounds - with some getting stitches at hospital. We can also confirm two dogs are being kept safely in police kennels.

"We've had officers in the area since the incident and they will continue to be around, so if you're worried, please speak to them.

"We're keen to hear from anyone who was in the area between midday and 12.30pm yesterday or from anyone who has information that can help. Please either share it with them, report it online through our website or call 101."

Anyone with information should quote incident 121 of 11 September.

Since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption.

It's also an offence to:

• sell an XL Bully dog
• abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
• give away an XL Bully dog
• breed or breed from an XL Bully dog
• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

The ban, which was originally implemented to address a rise in fatal dog attacks involving the breed, requires owners to register their dogs to be part of the exemption scheme, however, this closed to new applications at the end of 2024.