A 19-year-old woman has died after being attacked by a dog believed to be an XL bully inside a flat in Bristol. The incident occurred in the Hartcliffe area on Wednesday evening.
Avon and Somerset Police received a report from the ambulance service at 7.19pm of an attack at a property on Cobhorn Drive. Officers attended, but the victim died at the scene. Her family has been informed and is being supported by a specially trained officer.
Two people, a man and a woman 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 remain in police custody. The dog was sedated and destroyed on grounds of public safety.
Inspector Terry Murphy said: 'Our thoughts, first and foremost, are with the family of the young woman who’s tragically died. A full investigation is now well under way to establish the full circumstances.'
A neighbour described the victim as 'a lovely girl' who had lived at the property for only a few weeks. Another neighbour reported hearing hysterical screams and seeing a person emerge from the flat covered in blood. Police have not confirmed if the victim lived at the address or if there had been previous contact with the household.
