A woman in her 50s has died after being attacked by her two XL bully dogs at her home in Hornchurch, east London. Police and ambulance crews were called to Cornwall Close just after 1pm on Monday, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the two dogs, both registered XL bullies, were safely seized after being contained inside a room. Armed officers attended due to the threat posed, but the animals did not leave the house during the incident.
The dogs' owner, who has not been named, was receiving support from family liaison officers. A police spokesperson said: “The family of the woman, who was the owner of the dogs, are being supported by officers.”
Since 1 February, owning an XL bully without an exemption certificate has been a criminal offence in England and Wales. Owners must have the dog neutered, microchipped, and muzzled in public. The ban followed a series of attacks, including the death of 52-year-old Ian Price in Stonnall, West Midlands, in September 2023, and the fatal mauling of 10-year-old Jack Lis in November 2021.
